North Dakota Senate Bill SB2282

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Report Pass: 2/5/25
• Engrossed: 2/7/25
• Refer: 2/18/25
• Report Pass: 3/18/25
• Enrolled: 4/28/25
• Passed: 5/1/25

Caption

An income tax credit for child care contributions provided by qualified employers; and to provide an effective date.

Impact

If enacted, SB2282 will modify the North Dakota Century Code to create a formal structure for employers wishing to contribute to their employees' child care expenses. It introduces definitions for key terms like 'qualified employer', 'qualified employee', and 'child care contributions', ensuring clarity in who benefits from the credit. The introduction of this legislation indicates a legislative intent to improve access to early childhood services and enhance support for families, potentially leading to increased stability in the workforce.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 2282 establishes an income tax credit for contributions made by qualified employers towards child care expenses of their employees. Specifically, the bill allows these employers to claim a tax credit equal to fifty percent of their aggregate child care contributions made during the taxable year, capped at $1,000 per qualified employee. This initiative is designed to support working parents by alleviating their child care costs, ultimately promoting workforce participation and economic productivity in North Dakota.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2282 appears to be largely positive among legislators, evidenced by the strong support in both the Senate and House votes—47-0 in the Senate and 80-13 in the House. Proponents argue that this bill will provide meaningful financial relief to families, thus encouraging employment and economic activity. However, potential concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of funding for the state’s budget implications, as well as ensuring that the benefits reach a diverse set of eligible employers and employees.

Contention

While the bill received overwhelming support, there were discussions among some legislators regarding the effectiveness of the credit in addressing the broader issue of child care accessibility. Critics may point out that a purely tax-based solution could overlook systemic challenges faced by low-income families who might not be able to afford child care even with tax credits. Ensuring that the legislation effectively reaches its intended audience without creating further disparities will be a critical aspect of its implementation.