North Dakota House Bill HB1471

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23
• Report DNP: 2/13/23

Caption

A food insecurity task force; and to provide for a report to the legislative management.

Impact

The implementation of HB1471 would represent a significant step in formalizing the state’s approach to food insecurity. By incorporating representatives from nonprofit organizations that serve communities in need, the task force aims to foster a holistic approach to food-related challenges. Notably, the initiative plans to cover a wide array of topics, from enhancing access to child nutrition programs to addressing barriers that prevent senior citizens from obtaining adequate food resources. It seeks to create a coordinated effort among state agencies, community organizations, and local governments to combat food insecurity effectively.

Summary

House Bill 1471 establishes a food insecurity task force within North Dakota’s legislative framework aimed at addressing and alleviating food insecurity across the state. The bill mandates the creation of a task force composed of various state officials, including the director of the department, the superintendent of public instruction, and two legislators, among others. The task force is tasked with developing a statewide plan to tackle issues related to food accessibility and nutrition, and it is required to report its findings and recommendations to the legislative management every two years.

Contention

Despite its well-meaning objectives, discussions around HB1471 may hinge on arguments regarding funding, administrative responsibilities, and the actual effectiveness of a new task force in addressing deeply entrenched issues of food insecurity. Some stakeholders may question whether the task force's efforts will translate into tangible benefits for communities or if it risks becoming another bureaucratic layer without substantial change. The bill’s fate in the legislative assembly, as indicated by its initial voting results, shows it faced considerable opposition, highlighting concerns over the allocation of resources and how to best address the diverse food needs within the state.