Statements of full consideration, notice of township and city equalization meetings, the definition of snuff, service of notice for sales and use tax purposes, and notice of the gas base rate adjustment and gas production tax rate; and to provide an effective date.
Impact
The proposed changes to the gas production tax will standardize the gas base rate adjustment calculation, incorporating adjustments based on the average gas fuels producer price index. This modification is expected to result in a more consistent and predictable taxation landscape for gas producers. Furthermore, the bill enhances the notice requirements for property assessments, ensuring that taxpayers are duly informed of equalization meetings and their rights to appeal assessments in a timely manner.
Summary
House Bill 1057 aims to amend several sections of the North Dakota Century Code to streamline the processes related to property assessments, taxation, and notification requirements. It addresses various aspects such as the definition of 'snuff', service of notice for sales and use tax purposes, and the gas production tax rate. The revisions intend to clarify existing language and improve the efficiency of tax calculation and notification regarding equalization meetings at the township and city levels.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 1057 appears to be generally positive among legislative members, as evidenced by the voting history showing a strong majority in favor of the bill, with 89 yeas to only 3 nays in the House and similarly supportive votes in the Senate. This indicates a consensus on the need for the proposed clarifications and changes, reflecting an overarching aim to improve the governance of taxation and assessment processes in North Dakota.
Contention
While the bill received broad support, concerns were raised regarding the implications for local government practices. Some opponents fear that altering notification processes may undermine local authorities’ ability to effectively manage property assessments. Representatives from certain constituencies argued that the changes could centralize too much power at the state level, potentially diminishing local responsiveness to specific community needs. Nonetheless, the prevailing view was that the revisions would result in better governance.
The salary of the state tax commissioner, property assessment increase notices, and use tax exemptions; to provide an exemption; to provide for a transfer; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.
Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study, to provide an appropriation; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Legacy fund definitions, a legacy earnings fund, the legacy earnings highway distribution fund, and legacy earnings township highway aid fund; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for application; to provide an effective date; and to provide an exemption.
The temporary exemption for oil and gas wells employing a system to avoid flaring, an exemption from gross production tax for gas produced from certain enhanced oil recovery projects, and the definition of development incentive well; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.
Determination of state school aid, information displayed on property tax statements, transfer of legacy fund earnings, and deposit of oil and gas tax revenues; and to provide an effective date.
Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Oil and gas gross production tax allocations and the state share of oil and gas tax allocations; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an exemption; and to provide an effective date.