HB 1524 creates a formal grant program allowing North Dakota's Department of Commerce to fund regional planning councils. The bill directs the department to award grants supporting local implementation of state programs like housing, workforce development, rural economic initiatives, and local food systems, subject to annual legislative funding. These grants can cover program execution, resource development, and efforts to attract public or private investment in communities. The law, signed by the governor in May 2025, directly affects regional planning councils and the local communities they serve.
SB 2225 appropriates $50 million from North Dakota's Strategic Investment Fund to the Department of Commerce for grants supporting housing infrastructure. The bill provides funding to local communities (with allocations based on population size) to lower costs for infrastructure needed for market-rate housing projects, requiring a 1:1 match from local governments, developers, and private funds. Communities must use the funds for infrastructure like roads or utilities to support new housing, with reporting requirements to the legislature by June 2026. The program expires June 30, 2027, and aims to address housing needs in both urban and rural areas.
Relating to a legacy earnings fund, a legacy property tax relief fund, a state reimbursed taxable valuation reduction for residential, agricultural, and commercial property, limitations on taxable valuation increases, and voter-approved excess levy authority; to amend and reenact section 6‑09.4‑10.1, subsection 1 of section 21‑10‑06, section 54‑27‑19.3, subdivision c of subsection 1 of section 57‑02‑08.1, subdivision b of subsection 2 of section 57‑02‑08.1, and section 57‑02‑08.10, of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to funds invested by the state investment board, the homestead tax credit and renters refund, and the primary residence credit certification and state reimbursement; to repeal sections 21‑10‑12, 21‑10‑13, and 57‑02‑08.9 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to legacy fund definitions, the legacy earnings fund, and the primary residence credit; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.
HB 1504 amends North Dakota's veterans' postwar trust fund to clarify its permanent status and management. It requires all investment income from the fund to be used exclusively for veteran programs or services, with funds automatically appropriated to the veterans' affairs committee for the following biennium. The bill adds a new provision allowing veterans' organizations (as defined in state law) to donate funds specifically for programs preventing and eliminating veteran homelessness. These changes ensure the fund's resources directly support veterans' needs through established administrative channels.
HB 1395 requires landlords in North Dakota to provide prospective tenants with proof of completed criminal, credit, or background checks within seven days of the check. This applies directly to landlords who require such checks as part of the rental application process and affects renters who pay application fees. If landlords fail to provide this proof on time, they must refund all fees paid by the prospective tenant. The bill, which failed to pass in the legislature on March 28, 2025, aimed to increase transparency in rental screening practices.
SB 2238 allows tenants evicted under North Dakota law to request the sealing of their court records after meeting specific conditions. Generally, individuals can petition to seal records seven years after satisfying the eviction order. Survivors of domestic violence who were evicted during their tenancy may immediately petition to seal records upon a conviction for domestic violence or issuance of a restraining order against their abuser. This bill directly affects evicted tenants, particularly those who experienced domestic violence, by removing their eviction records from public access.
Relating to eliminating foreclosure of tax liens for residential property and collection of delinquent real property and special assessment taxes; to amend and reenact sections 40‑25‑03, 57‑02‑08.9, 57‑02‑08.10, 57‑20‑26, and 57‑22‑22, subsection 1 of section 57‑38.3‑02, sections 57‑45‑12, 61‑01‑21, 61‑09‑15, 61‑16.1‑31, 61‑24.8‑40, and 61‑35‑87, relating to the primary residence credit, setoff of income tax refunds for payment of delinquent real property and special assessment taxes, and eliminating foreclosure of tax liens for primary residential property; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
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 move‑in and post move‑out inspections of leased property; and to amend and reenact section 47‑16‑07.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to tenant security deposits.
