Housing

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.

HB 1152 amends North Dakota's definition of "residential property" for tax purposes. It clarifies that residential property includes dwellings and associated non-commercial structures like garages or barns, but explicitly excludes hotels/motels, multi-family buildings (4+ units), and tracts with 4+ mobile homes. This change directly affects property tax assessors, homeowners, and developers by altering which properties qualify for residential tax treatment. The bill would take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, though it failed to pass in the legislature.

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.

Relating to a housing development loan fund; to provide an appropriation; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; 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.