Governor signs bill prohibiting local governments from regulating plastic bags and other containers
State Director Alison Ritter reports from Bismarck on the small-business agenda up to April 11
We are down to less than 20 days of the 66th Legislative Assembly. A lot has been accomplished so far, but there is still lots of work to be done. We’re hitting the point where bills have been heard in both houses and now conference committees are forming to try and find a consensus amongst the differences.
Here’s a snapshot of the latest happenings:
Conference Committee Bills
HB 1019 – the Career and Technical Education budget passed in the Senate with the full $2 million for Train ND funding. This bill will end up in conference committee, but since the Train ND amount is the same in both bills, that should be the final amount.
HB 1040 – Conferees were appointed for the Automation Tax credit bill. The Senate increased the amount to $2 million from the House’s $500,000.
HB 1286 – the civil asset forfeiture bill passed 46-1 on the floor of the Senate. This bill was not concurred by the House and will go to conference committee.
HB 1333 – the “LIFT” grant program bill that provides grant funding for commercialization of companies in certain targeted industries passed in the Senate. We anticipate this bill going to conference committee.
HB 1513 – this bill would restore the family care tax credit, the internship employment tax credit, and the workforce recruitment tax credit. A conference committee has been appointed to finalize this bill.
Bills Signed by Governor Burgum
HB 1072 – this bill allows WSI to require some businesses to file more than once per year and requires all businesses to file reports electronically.
HB 1200 – the bill that prohibits political subdivisions from regulating plastic bags or other auxiliary containers.
HB 1351 – relating to contractual non-compete provisions.
HB 1193 – which would prohibit political subdivisions from implementing living wage provisions.
Other Bills
HB 1106 – the invisible reinsurance pool bill was passed by the Senate. The only change was to move the sunset date back to December 31, 2021. We anticipate that the House will concur with the amendments.
SB 2039 – this bill would have created a skilled workforce training program. This bill was defeated in the House.
SB 2341 – this bill relates to the creation of an apprenticeship training program. It was reported out of committee in the House with a 14-0 do not pass recommendation and ultimately failed on the House floor, 15-75.
Previous Reports from the State Capitol
