Fargo Officials Make Pitch for $120 Million for Flood Protection

The $120 million requested from the state is not for the Fargo flood diversion project, it’s for flood protection needs prior to the diversion project and would be used for engineering and legal fees, right of way acquisition, land purchases, home buyouts and construction of levees and floodwalls.

Read & Share   sourced from: InForum

Governor Dalrymple Signs Civics Bill

It’s official, the bill requiring high school students to pass a civics exam similar to one required to become a naturalized citizen prior to graduating is now law.

Read & Share   sourced from: Bismarck Tribune

Funding for Rural Flood Program Discussed in Senate Committee

Funding for one of the likely first steps in the Souris Valley flood protection plan, the StARR program, was the topic in a Senate Committee meeting Thursday. Senator David O’Connell proposed raising the funding level by $11 million to $121 million total. Full details from KX News.

Read & Share   sourced from: KX News

Oil Patch Surge Funding Passes in Senate

The oil-patch spending bill has grown to more than $1.1 billion, yet it sailed through the Senate nearly unopposed, passing 44-2. The bill is designed fast-track funding for the oil-impacted western part of the state so projects can get underway first thing this spring.

Read & Share   sourced from: Bismarck Tribune

Revised Forecast Predicts $4 billion Drop in N.D. Oil and Gas Tax Revenue

Legislators will be working off a newly revised revenue forecast as they plan the budget for the next biennium. Lower oil prices and a lower tax rate for oil producers (as a result of the lower prices) will result in $4 billion less in revenue.  

Read & Share   sourced from: InForum

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Bill to Encourage Use of Natural Gas Vehicles

The bill would provide financial incentives to retail locations that install natural gas filling equipment and grants to consumers who purchase or convert vehicles to run on natural gas. Full details from Bakken.com.

Read & Share   sourced from: Bakken.com

Commentary on Keeping Schools Safe

A few bills on school safety are working through the legislature. One bill would provide funding for school resource officers, another would allow for specially permitted concealed weapons. For more details and some valuable commentary check out Rob Port’s thoughts at Say Anything Blog.com.

Read & Share   sourced from: Say Anything Blog.com

Lynn Helms Briefs Industrial Commission on Oil Field Related Bills

Department of Mineral Resource Director Lynn Helms briefed the Industrial Commission on bills active in the legislature that may impact management and regulation of oil and gas operations in the state.

Read & Share   sourced from: Bismarck Tribune

School Resource Officer Pilot Program Floated

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would provide funding for school resource officers in rural districts. In Committee, testimony on the bill by education officials was favorable.

Read & Share   sourced from: Bismarck Tribune

Legislative Roundup: Bill to Replace Governor’s Residence has Leadership Backing

Should we replace, renovate, or do nothing at all with the Governor’s residence? Legislators will decide. Plus, Monday is the last day to file legislation and it looks like we might see a more bills than last session.

Read & Share   sourced from: InForum

“Surge” Funding Bill For Oil Impacts Grows To $1.1 Billion

When it comes to funding oil country, it seems like legislators have opted for the both and philosophy as opposed to an either or. More details and commentary from Rob Port at Say Anything Blog.

Read & Share   sourced from: Say Anything Blog.com

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Got $5 Billion? North Dakota Will by 2017

Admittedly, this story is less about the Legacy Fund and more about what one of our local legislators wants to do with it. KMOT covers Rep. Oley Larsen’s plan to create a savings account for each new-born ND resident.

Read & Share   sourced from: KMOT News

Property Tax Transparency Bill Goes Down

If you were hoping Ward County might someday soon put property tax records online, you’ll have to call your County Commissioner. The Legislature won’t be compelling counties to do anything.

Read & Share   sourced from: Say Anything Blog.com

First Income Tax Bill in Committee

There are a number of income tax related bills that are being discussed in the session. Get a good overview of the different proposals from Mike Nowatzki writing for the Dickinson Press.

Read & Share   sourced from: Dickinson Press

Proposed: Only Property Owners Vote in School Bond Elections

The bill is on the table and would likely complicate the election process, but if passed it would allow only property owners to vote in school bond elections. Get the full details and commentary from Say Anything Blog.com

Read & Share   sourced from: Say Anything Blog.com

Lawmakers and Concealed Weapons?

Yesterday, In committee, Legislator’s heard testimony from a highway patrol lieutenant and others who had concerns about a proposed legislation that would allow lawmakers carry concealed weapons in state buildings.    

Read & Share   sourced from: Dickinson Press