The pace of legislative activity accelerating, governor begins signing, considering bill sent to him
North Dakota State Director Alison Ritter reports from Bismarck on the small-business agenda up to March 14
The second half of session is starting to gain momentum, with a handful of bills already sent to the Gov. Doug Burgum for his signature.
NFIB continues to be active on several fronts and took part in “ENERGYNDDAY” at the State Capitol. Members of NFIB’s leadership council had an opportunity to visit with House Majority Leader Chet Pollert about his feelings on how the session has gone so far.
Here are the bills NFIB is watching and a few we’ll be testifying on:
- The biggest hearing this week is on House Bill 1060, which is the Unemployment Insurance surcharge bill. We will be testifying against this bill in committee.
- NFIB will also testify in support of HB 1200, which would prohibit taxes on items like plastic bags.
- HB 1019 – the budget for the Department of Career and Technical Education received its first hearing in Senate Appropriations. This bill contains $2 million in funding for workforce development.
- HB 1040 – this bill would reinstate the automation tax credit. It was heard in front of the Senate Finance and Tax Committee.
- HB 1097 – the Blue Law repeal bill was heard in the Senate Political Subdivisions Committee. No action was taken yet by the committee.
- HB 1106 – the bill to create an invisible reinsurance pool passed out of the Senate Industry, Business and Labor Committee and had its first hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee. In the House, the payment method was switched from assessments on insurance plans to premium tax credits that are currently deposited into the General Fund.
- HB 1193 – the prohibition on political subdivisions enacting “living wage” mandates was heard in the Senate Political Subdivisions Committee.
- HB 1513 – a bill to remove certain underutilized tax credits was heard in front of the Senate Finance and Tax Committee.
- Senate Bill 2039 – a bill to create a skilled workforce scholarship program was heard in the House Education Committee.
- SB 2192 – this bill allows counties to impose a lodging and dining tax if cities in their jurisdiction have not already done so. This bill received its first hearing in the House Finance and Tax Committee.
Bills sent to or signed by the Governor Burgum:
- HB 1072 – this bill allows Workforce Safety and Insurance to require employers to file reports more than once per year. This is targeted at companies who have big changes in employment throughout the year. This bill passed the Senate and was signed by Governor Burgum.
- HB 1127 – this bill changes the standard from “deceptively similar” to “distinguishable” in the record for business names. North Dakota is only one of three states that still has “deceptively similar.” This bill passed the Senate and is on its way to the Governor for signature.
- SB 2145 – a bill that gives the Labor Commissioner subpoena power in investigations and extends the sunset on the floor and ceiling levels for wage claims was passed in the House and sent to Governor Burgum for his signature.
- SB 2191 – the “Wayfair Bill” was passed in the House and sent to Governor Burgum for his signature.
Previous Reports from the State Capitol
February 14–Fourteen Legislative Bills Have NFIBs Eyes, Efforts on Them
January 31–Everything from Paid Leave to Plastic Bags Under Review
January 2–New NFIB North Dakota State Director Named
