ND
North Dakota House Bill HB1496

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1496

Introduced
1/18/23  
Refer
1/18/23  
Refer
1/26/23  

Caption

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for rural workforce housing grants.

Impact

The impact of HB1496 is projected to enhance workforce housing availability in rural areas, which is essential for attracting and retaining workers in smaller communities. By addressing blighted properties and encouraging mixed-use developments, the bill seeks to foster economic growth in regions that may struggle with housing shortages. However, the effectiveness of the bill will depend on how the Department of Commerce implements the grant guidelines and the communities' ability to utilize the funds effectively. Proponents believe that improving housing conditions will lead to better economic outcomes for local economies.

Summary

House Bill 1496 aims to provide support for rural workforce housing in North Dakota by appropriating $20 million from the state's general fund for the Department of Commerce. This funding is intended for rural workforce housing grants, with a focus on assisting cities with a population of fewer than 5,000 people. The grants would allow eligible local governments to conduct housing studies to assess their housing needs, purchase blighted properties, and facilitate repairs or improvements for businesses that contribute to rural workforce housing. This is a one-time funding initiative for the biennium from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025.

Contention

Notably, the bill faced contention during discussions on its legislative journey. On February 21, 2023, it was subjected to a vote, which resulted in 94 members voting against it, suggesting a lack of support or concern over the details of the bill’s implementation. Opposition may center around the adequacy of the funding, the criteria for grant distribution, or the impact on local governance. Critics may express apprehension about whether the bill will truly resolve housing issues or simply allocate funds without tangible outcomes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2342

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for a downtown hospital building grant program and a rural workforce hospital grant program; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2225

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for a housing for opportunity, mobility, and empowerment program; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2228

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for a rural grocery store sustainability grant program.

ND HB1018

The legacy investment for technology program, the North Dakota development fund, the workforce enhancement council, the administration of uncrewed aircraft system programs, workforce development grants to tribally controlled community colleges, and a North Dakota development fund grant program; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2273

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for a rural grocery store sustainability and food access expansion pilot grant program.

ND HB1421

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation for workforce development training grants for new Americans.

ND HB1581

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for tribal tourism grants; and to provide for a legislative management report.

ND SB2195

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for a grant for pregnancy resource services.

ND HB1209

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for a historic opera house restoration grant program.

ND SB2097

The creation of a rural community endowment fund and a rural community endowment fund committee; to provide an appropriation for the rural community endowment fund; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for a report.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.