Capital projects and the use of the university system capital building fund; and to provide a transfer.
Impact
With this bill, institutions will be expected to document reductions in deferred maintenance as part of any renovation projects. It mandates that such projects should significantly alleviate existing maintenance issues, ensuring responsible use of allocated state funds. The bill also introduces a condition that only projects achieving at least a 75% reduction in deferred maintenance can proceed, thus emphasizing accountability in spending and renovation efforts.
Summary
House Bill 1034 seeks to amend the North Dakota Century Code regarding capital projects and the utilization of the university system capital building fund. The bill requires state institutions, including universities and colleges, to secure additional funding from external sources, such as gifts and grants, for a percentage of their capital project requests. Specifically, different institutions are required to identify additional funding ranging from 10% to 30% of total project costs, depending on their size and category.
Conclusion
Overall, HB 1034 reflects an effort to enhance the fiscal responsibility of higher education institutions in North Dakota. By promoting funding diversification through external sources and focusing on critical maintenance needs, the bill aims to strengthen the physical infrastructure of educational institutions while balancing the state's responsibility for fiscal oversight.
Contention
One notable aspect of HB 1034 is the requirement for biennial reporting by the state board of higher education on the use of funding. This includes a need for transparency regarding how matching funds from institutions contribute to capital projects and how these projects align with the broader educational goals. Critics may argue that the matching fund requirements could strain smaller institutions that might struggle to secure adequate external funding, potentially hindering their ability to maintain or improve facilities.
Matching grants for legal education and the workforce education advisory council; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide loan authorization for the Mayville state university old main project; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; to provide legislative intent; and to declare an emergency.
The naming of the Bismarck state college polytechnic center; to authorize the state board of higher education to issue and sell bonds for capital projects; to provide for a transfer; to provide for the conveyance of real property; to provide for a legislative management higher education funding review committee; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide legislative intent; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.
The state leave sharing program, capitol grounds rent collections, and the law enforcement retirement program; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.
Relating to the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education, the oversight of certain capital projects at those institutions, and the designation of certain appropriated funds allocated to those institutions.
A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.