Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Impact
The bill proposes significant changes to state laws governing property taxation. It introduces limitations on property tax levies without voter approval, embarks on a legislative study regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the primary residence credit, and amends several sections of North Dakota's Century Code pertaining to property taxation definitions and school district levies. Importantly, it repeals previous sections concerning legacy fund definitions, thereby streamlining the legal framework around property tax relief.
Summary
House Bill 1176 aims to create and enact several provisions related to property tax relief for primary residences in North Dakota. Among its highlights, the bill establishes a primary residence credit, which provides eligible homeowners with up to $1,600 against their property taxes. The funding for this credit comes from the legacy earnings fund, thereby ensuring that homeowners receive tax relief without placing additional burdens on state revenue streams. The bill also defines the parameters for what constitutes a primary residence, including provisions for individuals temporarily confined to nursing facilities or hospitals.
Sentiment
General sentiment around HB 1176 appears to be positive, particularly from legislators advocating for property tax relief. The primary residence credit is viewed favorably as a move towards making housing more affordable and providing tangible support to situated residents. However, there are underlying concerns about the sustainability of relying on the legacy fund for ongoing financial commitments, as well as potential future challenges in expanding property tax relief to other property classifications such as agricultural or commercial properties.
Contention
Contention surrounding HB 1176 mainly revolves around funding sources and the adequacy of relief measures for varying property types. While the bill is poised to deliver immediate relief for primary residences, some stakeholders argue for broader tax reforms that include provisions for different classes of property. Additionally, the procedural requirement for voter approval on levy limitations has raised discussions about the efficacy of grassroots consent in financial governance, with some advocating for larger legislative discretion.
The homestead tax credit and income tax rates for individuals, estates, and trusts; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.
The flexible transportation fund, motor vehicle excise tax allocations, an appropriation for township roadway funding, and the appropriation of bond proceeds for transportation projects; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
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.
Budget section approval limits for the flexible transportation fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.
A pay for success fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.
An allocation from the legacy earnings fund and eligible projects under the housing incentive fund; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
The powers and duties of the state auditor and the salary of the state auditor; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.
Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study, to provide an appropriation; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Legacy fund definitions, the legacy earnings fund, and the primary residence credit; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.