North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1186

Introduced

1/9/23

Refer

1/9/23

Report Pass

2/17/23

Engrossed

2/21/23

Refer

3/3/23

Report DNP

3/16/23

Caption

The school construction assistance revolving loan fund; and to declare an emergency.

Impact

The impact of HB 1186 will potentially enhance access to funding for school districts across North Dakota, facilitating necessary upgrades to educational facilities. By providing low-interest loans of up to twenty million dollars, the bill aims to ease the financial burden on districts in need of modernization. The prioritization mechanism set forth for loan approvals is expected to help allocate funds more effectively, focusing on the most critical projects. This can result in improved educational environments which are essential for effective teaching and learning.

Summary

House Bill 1186 introduces amendments to the North Dakota Century Code concerning the school construction assistance revolving loan fund. The primary aim of this bill is to streamline the loan process for school districts seeking financial assistance for construction projects. The bill outlines specific eligibility criteria for districts, requiring them to submit proposals for new or remodeling projects that meet established thresholds, including costs and expected longevity. This structure is intended to provide support for significant educational infrastructure improvements while ensuring fiscal responsibility through a review system based on community needs and project feasibility.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1186 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers and education advocates. Proponents argue that the bill addresses urgent needs within the school system and underscores the importance of investing in educational infrastructure. However, there may also be concerns regarding the emergency declaration which accompanies the bill, as it raises questions about the urgency and necessity of the funding mechanisms without thorough legislative scrutiny.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of funds and the criteria used to prioritize projects, which could be seen as excluding smaller districts or those with different financial challenges. Critics may argue that the centralized control of the Bank of North Dakota in administering these loans could lead to potential inequalities in funding access, depending on how community support and project justification align with the established criteria. Additionally, the emergency declaration may invoke debate about appropriate legislative practices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2149

The school construction assistance revolving loan fund; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1369

The determination of state aid, boarding care costs, the coal development trust fund, the school construction assistance revolving loan fund, public improvement construction, bonds from contractors for public improvements, and school district levies; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1185

Loans from the coal development trust fund for school construction projects affected by unanticipated construction inflation; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2284

School district enrollment, the definition of "probationary teacher", a school district's policy governing possession of a weapon, the definition of "dangerous weapon", modification of weighting factors, transition maximums and an increase in per student payments, and the school construction revolving loan fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide for an exemption; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1161

Eligibility for school construction loans.

ND SB2015

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.

ND SB2398

Baseline funding and the determination of state school aid, loans from the coal development trust fund, and evidences of indebtedness; to provide an appropriation; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1292

Capital construction projects; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2330

The infrastructure revolving loan fund, the legacy and budget stabilization fund advisory board, and legacy fund definitions; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1213

A BILL for an Act to provide for a transfer to the infrastructure revolving loan fund.