The fire prevention and public safety fund; and to provide a transfer.
Impact
The bill has the potential to streamline funding for fire safety and regulatory activities by consolidating revenues from cigarette certifications into the newly created trust fund. Additionally, by repealing the previously established fire prevention and public safety fund, it reaffirms the state’s commitment to utilizing funds more effectively for insurance and administrative purposes. The provisions placed on manufacturers for the recertification of their cigarettes every three years underscore the state’s initiative to maintain high safety standards and ensure that all products sold conform to necessary safety specifications.
Summary
House Bill 1086 addresses important amendments to the North Dakota Century Code focused on fire prevention and insurance regulation. It establishes an 'insurance regulatory trust fund' to support the administrative functions of the insurance department and outlines the processes for manufacturers of cigarettes to certify their products according to state standards. Specifically, it modifies existing regulations pertaining to the testing and certification of cigarette ignition propensity, ensuring compliance with safety standards designed to mitigate fire hazards caused by cigarettes.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1086 appears to be favorable among legislators, as reflected by the overwhelming votes in support during the legislative process (44 in favor, 0 against during Senate readings). Legislators recognize the importance of enhancing fire safety measures and supporting the insurance regulatory framework as vital components of public safety and well-being. The support from various stakeholders, including the insurance commissioner, indicates a collaborative approach to enhancing safety standards and regulatory efficiency.
Contention
While the bill's progress has seen broad bipartisan support, some concerns were raised about potential impacts on local governance and regulatory enforcement mechanisms. Critics may argue that consolidating authority and resources in a trust fund could lead to a more centralized approach that might limit local agencies' ability to respond effectively to fire-related incidents. Nonetheless, proponents emphasize the necessity for uniformity in regulations to enhance overall public safety without compromising the integrity of local safety initiatives.
Funds under management of the state investment board, opioid antagonist prescription, distribution, possession, or use, and the funding of the opioid treatment and prevention program; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide for application; and to declare an emergency.
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.
The salaries of the public service commissioners, the transfer and distribution of funds in the highway tax distribution fund, and siting process administrative fees; to provide a transfer; and to declare an emergency.
An information fund and continuing appropriation to pay publication and statistical processing expenses, organization claim file destruction, penalty for violation of a safety rule or regulation, and the retrospective rating program.
Public employees retirement system retirement plan contribution rates upon reaching full funding; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.
Public employees retirement system retirement plan contribution rates upon reaching full funding; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.