North Dakota House Bill HCR3033

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/23
• Refer: 2/21/23
• Report Pass: 3/10/23
• Engrossed: 3/14/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Enrolled: 4/27/23
• Passed: 4/28/23

Caption

Spending and transfers from the legacy fund.

Impact

The proposed changes under HCR3033 will have significant implications for state laws governing revenue and budgetary allocations. Specifically, it stipulates that up to 15% of the principal of the legacy fund may be expended during each biennium, thus placing a more stringent cap on expenditures that can be made from the fund. This would require careful consideration by legislators when it comes to financial planning and could potentially influence funding for various public projects and initiatives that rely on legacy fund allocations.

Summary

HCR3033 is a concurrent resolution proposing an amendment to Section 26 of Article X of the North Dakota Constitution. This amendment aims to regulate the utilization of the legacy fund, which is primarily generated from taxes on oil and gas production. By amending the law, the bill seeks to decrease the amount of principal available for spending each biennium and clarify the distributions from the legacy fund. The intent behind the bill is to ensure a more structured approach to the management of state revenues derived from natural resources, thereby promoting fiscal responsibility.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR3033 appeared to be largely positive among legislators during the discussions, with a strong majority supporting the measure. Supporters argue that this amendment fosters better financial stewardship of state resources and ensures long-term sustainability of funds for future generations. However, there might be concerns regarding how these changes could affect funding for local projects and needs, as reliance on legacy fund contributions could shift significantly.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HCR3033 is the balance between spending flexibility and fiscal conservatism. While the bill aims to protect the legacy fund's principal, critics may argue that it risks limiting the state’s ability to address immediate financial needs and public service demands. Additionally, the amendment’s requirements for two-thirds majority votes for spending decisions may create barriers for future legislative action, potentially leading to delayed responses to urgent financial matters.