Peace Garden News

Friday, March 24 marked the 51st legislative day in North Dakota out of a possible 80 days. The session is scheduled to end on May 4 if all days are used. Small Business Day was held earlier this week, featuring attendance from 15 NFIB members, including some legislators who are also members. Senate Majority Leader David Hogue of Minot, in his first term as leader, was the main speaker at the event. Alison Ritter, NFIB State Director in North Dakota, posed with NFIB members during Small Business Day at the Capitol.

Several pieces of legislation were highlighted during the session:

Healthcare: Senate Bill 2140 passed in the House of Representatives. This bill would require the state health insurance plan to cap payments for insulin and related medical supplies at $25. The state PERS board would then be required to propose a bill for the next legislative session mandating this benefit for all group and individual plans statewide.

Interchange Fees: Senate Bill 2217 failed in the House of Representatives. Initially, this bill sought to prohibit interchange fees on the sales tax portion of credit card transactions. Despite being amended into a study by the House, it did not pass due to strong opposition from banks and credit unions.

Taxes: The Senate has decided to use House Bill 1158 as their vehicle for tax relief for this part of the session. Originally introduced as a flat tax measure, it was amended in committee to include property tax relief language passed earlier in the session, an increase in homestead property tax credit, and elimination of the lowest income tax bracket to provide income tax relief for all North Dakotans. This amendment aligns with approximately $550 million in combined tax relief outlined by Senate Majority Leader David Hogue during Small Business Day.

Other income tax bills currently under consideration by the Senate have been recommended not to pass. Meanwhile, the House is reviewing SB 2066 concerning property taxes from earlier in the session, with a public hearing scheduled for Monday, March 27 at 9:00 a.m.