Relating to the creation of the city, county, and township road fund; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 39‑04‑19.2, section 54‑27‑19, subsection 1 of section 57‑43.1‑02, and subsection 1 of section 57‑43.2‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle road use fee, the tax imposed on motor vehicle and special fuels, and the highway tax distribution fund; and to provide an effective date.
HB 1444 amends North Dakota law to clarify the process for adding local roads to the county road system. It requires county commissioners to notify townships when a road meets criteria under section 24-05-16 and is under township jurisdiction, and to hold a public meeting for community input before making a final decision. This directly affects county commissioners, townships, and residents who use these local roads, ensuring transparency in road system expansion. The bill does not change road maintenance responsibilities but adds a procedural step for community engagement.
HB 1614 would have required North Dakota's Department of Transportation to study autonomous and semiautonomous vehicle technologies, particularly focusing on automated truck tractors, and submit a legislative report on findings. The bill also amended state law to define "automated truck tractor" as a vehicle with safety-critical functions operating without direct human input. This study was intended to assess how such technologies might impact transportation infrastructure and safety regulations. The bill was introduced in March 2025 but failed to pass, receiving only two votes in favor during its House vote.
This bill exempts infrastructure fees collected by North Dakota cities and counties from local tax spending limits. It ensures fees for projects like roads, sewers, or utilities won't count toward the maximum taxes a city or county can levy under state law. The law applies to fees defined in specific sections of the North Dakota Century Code (including sections 11-11-55.1 and 40-22-01.3). This change directly affects how local governments fund infrastructure projects without triggering budget restrictions.
HB 1340 amends North Dakota's vehicle tint law to clarify light transmittance requirements for window tinting. It requires that front windshields and front windows allow at least 70% light transmittance (meaning the tint can't be too dark), while other windows must allow at least 35% transmittance. The law does not apply to rear windows if a vehicle has outside mirrors meeting standard requirements. This directly affects drivers who install window tint, ensuring visibility for safety while maintaining existing exceptions for rear windows with proper mirrors.
HB 1518 would update North Dakota's traffic code to clarify rules for driving around rotary traffic islands (roundabouts). It requires vehicles to drive only to the right of such islands and mandates drivers to signal before exiting a rotary. The bill specifically applies to drivers navigating designated roundabouts on one-way roadways, as defined in the amended traffic code section. This proposal did not pass the legislature, with 3 votes in favor and 43 against.
SB 2142 would redirect 25% of North Dakota's motor vehicle excise tax revenue to a new "township road and bridge sustainability fund" instead of previous allocations. This fund would provide annual payments to non-oil-producing counties for road and bridge projects in eligible townships, based on road miles. To qualify, townships must submit annual certifications showing road miles, township funds, and local tax rates, while excluding those that didn't maintain roads or met other criteria. The bill specifies that funds must be used solely for road and bridge construction, maintenance, or repairs. It would take effect for taxes collected after July 31, 2025, if passed.
Relating to a county and township bridge fund and a legacy earnings tax relief fund; to amend and reenact section 21‑10‑13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the legacy earnings fund; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an expiration date.
Relating to the state share of oil and gas tax revenue allocations, the municipal infrastructure fund, and the county and township infrastructure fund.
SB 2391 would designate Stutsman County Road 62 (from its junction with State Highway 46 to its junction with Interstate 94) as part of North Dakota's state highway system. This bill directly affects travelers using this road segment and Stutsman County, as it would transfer maintenance and jurisdiction from the county to the state. The key provision requires the state director to officially add this specific road section to the state highway system. This is a procedural bill focused solely on road designation, with no new funding or policy changes.
