Comprehensive water development plans; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an expiration date.
Impact
The introduction of this moratorium is designed to alleviate some of the administrative and preparatory challenges currently faced by local project sponsors. By eliminating the need for an economic analysis on lower cost projects, it allows for a more straightforward pathway to initiating and completing necessary drainage work. Additionally, the bill mandates a legislative management study during the 2025-26 interim to assess the current formula for economic analyses related to such projects, potentially leading to a reevaluation of thresholds for future projects.
Summary
House Bill 1218 establishes a temporary moratorium on economic analyses for assessment drain projects within the state of North Dakota. Specifically, it prohibits the state water commission or the department of water resources from conducting these analyses for projects costing one million dollars or less between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027. This bill aims to streamline the process for smaller drainage projects, allowing local sponsors to engage more easily without the economic analysis burden.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 1218 appears to be relatively positive, particularly among legislators who are focused on reducing bureaucratic overhead and encouraging local involvement in water management initiatives. Proponents believe that the moratorium reflects a practical approach to resource development, emphasizing the importance of local perspectives in project execution.
Contention
Notable points of contention arise around the implications of the moratorium. While supporters argue that it promotes local autonomy and expedites project completion, critics may raise concerns about the absence of required economic scrutiny for smaller projects, which could lead to issues of accountability and long-term sustainability. The effectiveness of the temporary moratorium will likely be an ongoing subject of discussion, particularly as the legislative management study evaluates the ramifications of this bill on future water management practices.
A Bank of North Dakota line of credit and state water commission discretionary funding; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a report; to provide legislative intent; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.
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.
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.
The prohibition on ownership of real property by a foreign adversary; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an expiration date.
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.
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.