HB 1285 adjusts compensation for North Dakota's permanent state employees, setting average 3% raises in 2025-26 and 2% in 2026-27, based on performance (excluding probationary staff and underperformers). It redirects $49.2 million - half the cost of prior higher raises - to the teachers' retirement fund for a one-time supplemental payment to eligible retirees. The bill requires state agencies to follow specific guidelines for implementing these raises and mandates the transfer to the teachers' fund during the 2025-27 biennium. It directly affects eligible state employees receiving raises and retirees receiving the supplemental payment.
HB 1559 would limit annual increases in property taxes for residential homeowners in North Dakota by capping tax valuations at the average of the previous three years' values. Exceptions allow reassessment if property was previously untaxed, sold/transfered, or underwent significant improvements (not including routine maintenance or standard repairs after damage). The bill directly affects residential property owners by preventing sudden tax hikes from normal market value changes. It would take effect for tax years starting after December 31, 2024, and prohibits local governments from overriding these rules under home rule authority.
Relating to a higher education infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide an appropriation; to provide a transfer; and to provide for a legislative management report.
HB 1560 would create a property tax reduction for North Dakota homeowners who have owned their primary residence for 30 years or more, reducing their taxable value by up to $18,000 annually. Homeowners must apply by August 1 each year (with 2025 applications due by August 1, 2025), and the credit applies to both standard real estate and mobile homes. Co-owners and spouses both qualify for the reduction if one meets the 30-year ownership requirement. The bill failed to pass the legislature in February 2025.
HB 1221 proposes allocating $24 million from North Dakota's general fund to the state board of higher education for workforce education innovation funds, to be distributed to eligible institutions during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill provides direct funding for programs aimed at enhancing workforce training and education initiatives, primarily affecting community colleges and vocational schools eligible to receive these grants. It does not create new programs but establishes a funding mechanism for existing or planned workforce development efforts. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 11, 2025, with no support (0 yeas, 91 nays).
HB 1236 amends North Dakota law to specify that hunting and fishing license fees and application fees can only fund state wildlife and fish department programs unrelated to chronic wasting disease (CWD). The bill restricts the use of these fees, ensuring they cannot support CWD management or research. It directly affects the North Dakota Game and Fish Department by altering how it allocates revenue from hunting and fishing permits. The change clarifies that existing fee revenue must be used for general department administration, not specific disease-related initiatives. The bill failed to pass in the legislature during the 2025 session.
HB 1618 would have provided $1,387,256 in state funds to North Dakota's Department of Public Instruction to administer infrastructure grants for tribal elementary and secondary schools during the 2025-2027 biennium. To receive a grant, tribal schools would have needed to contribute $346,814 in matching funds for their projects. The bill failed to pass the legislature on February 10, 2025, with 4 votes in favor and 86 against.
HB 1102 appropriates $775,000 from North Dakota's general fund to the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation for cybercrime resources. The funding will hire two full-time cybercrime agents and cover related equipment costs for the 2025-2027 biennium, with $161,000 designated for one-time equipment purchases. This bill directly affects police departments in northeastern North Dakota cities with at least 50,000 residents, requiring the new agents to assist those departments specifically with cybercrime prevention and detection. The measure is purely a funding allocation, not a policy change, focused on staffing and resources for a defined geographic area.
HB 1548 allocates $10 million in one-time state funding to the Department of Health and Human Services for a fitness center grant at the Life Skills and Transition Center. The bill specifically provides funds to construct a fitness center that will directly benefit residents of this facility. The grant is intended for the 2025-2027 biennium and comes from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund. This is a funding measure focused on physical health infrastructure for a specific state-run residential program.
Relating to a sales and use tax exemption for purchases made by a contractor, subcontractor, or builder on behalf of the state of North Dakota; to amend and reenact section 57‑40.2‑03.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to use tax on contractors; and to provide an effective date.
