HB 1627 proposed appropriating $7 million to fund free school meals for eligible students during the 2026-27 school year. It would have provided meals at no cost to students in public or nonpublic schools whose household income is below 300% of the federal poverty level. The bill aimed to cover meal expenses through grants to school districts, with funding effective July 1, 2026. The legislation failed to pass in January 2026, receiving 45 votes in favor and 48 against. This was a funding measure, not a procedural resolution, and would have directly affected low-income students and school districts.
HB 1143 allocates $10 million from North Dakota's strategic investment fund to create a grant program for constructing statewide charitable food distribution facilities. The program, active during 2025-2027, provides grants to nonprofits or community groups to cover construction costs (like site acquisition, building, and equipment) for food distribution centers. Recipients must contribute a 1:1 match from nonstate funds and submit annual reports on fund usage and effectiveness. This one-time funding is restricted to facility construction, not operational costs, and directly benefits organizations building infrastructure to support food distribution networks.
Relating to a legacy earnings fund, a legacy property tax relief fund, a primary residence certification, and a limitation on property tax levies without voter approval; to amend and reenact section 6‑09.4‑10.1, subsection 1 of section 21‑10‑06, sections 40‑40‑06, 54‑27‑19.3, and 57‑02‑01, subdivision c of subsection 1 of section 57‑02‑08.1, subdivision b of subsection 2 of section 57‑02‑08.1, section 57‑02‑08.8, section 57‑02‑08.9 as amended by section 1 of Senate Bill No. 2201, as approved by the sixty-ninth legislative assembly, sections 57‑02‑08.10, 57‑02‑27, 57‑02‑27.1, 57‑02‑53, 57‑09‑04, 57‑11‑03, 57‑12‑06, 57‑15‑02.2, 57‑15‑14.2, and 57‑20‑07.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to funds invested by the state investment board, property tax definitions, the homestead tax credit and renters refund, the property tax credit for disabled veterans, the primary residence credit, property classifications, assessment and budget hearing notices to property owners, school district levies, and the property tax statement; to repeal sections 21‑10‑12 and 21‑10‑13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study, to provide an appropriation; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
House Bill 1139 proposes to create a new sales tax exemption for fire departments in North Dakota. If enacted, this bill would allow fire departments to be exempt from paying sales tax on their purchases. The bill achieves this by amending section 57-39.2-04 of the North Dakota Century Code to include this specific exemption. It also provides for an effective date for the change to take effect.
Relating to the oil extraction tax rate reduction for oil produced from a new well drilled and completed outside the Bakken and Three Forks formations; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an effective date.
HB 1428 creates a sales tax exemption in North Dakota for sales of clothing. This exemption specifically applies to clothing sold by thrift stores operated by nonprofit corporations. The bill enacts a new subsection to section 57-39.2-04 of the North Dakota Century Code to implement this change, and it also includes an effective date for the new provision.
Relating to the creation of a rural community endowment fund and a rural community endowment fund committee; to provide an appropriation for the rural community endowment fund; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for a report.
HB 1534 would limit annual increases in property tax valuations to 3% without voter approval, applying to all taxable properties in North Dakota regardless of ownership changes. Property owners would see their taxes capped at this 3% annual increase unless new improvements (like renovations) are made, which could temporarily exceed the limit. To raise valuations above 3%, local voters would need to approve a ballot measure at a general election, with such approvals limited to four-year periods. The bill explicitly prevents cities or counties from overriding this cap through local home rule authority. It would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.
SB 2239 establishes a state-funded apprenticeship grant program in North Dakota. The program would provide financial assistance to both apprentices and employers participating in approved apprenticeship training. This bill creates a new funding mechanism within the state code and includes a specific appropriation to support the program's implementation.
SB 2286 proposes authorizing the University of North Dakota (UND) to borrow up to $55 million through a line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota during 2025-2027, with interest capped at rates for state entities. It also appropriates $95 million in one-time funding for UND to construct a new health sciences facility at its School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The facility aims to expand health workforce capacity in areas like behavioral health and wellness, while supporting research and academic programs. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on April 8, 2025, with 6 votes in favor and 87 against.
