North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1620

Introduced
1/20/25  
Refer
1/20/25  

Caption

The creation of a state fiscal transparency online portal.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1620 is expected to significantly influence state laws relating to fiscal transparency and public access to government spending data. With requirements for regular updates and detailed disclosures from state departments and agencies, the bill promotes a culture of accountability within state government. Furthermore, it seeks to build public trust by allowing citizens to scrutinize the use of taxpayer money, thereby fostering a more engaged and informed citizenry regarding state fiscal matters.

Summary

House Bill 1620 proposes the creation of a state fiscal transparency online portal designed to enhance public awareness and accountability of state fund expenditures. The bill mandates the state treasurer, in collaboration with the tax commissioner and state auditor, to develop and maintain a digital platform accessible to the public. This platform will provide detailed information regarding the distribution and use of state funds, including the identity of recipients and the intended purpose for the allocated funds. Through this initiative, the bill aims to ensure that citizens have easy access to information about state financial transactions.

Contention

Despite the bill's positive intentions, there may be points of contention regarding the balance between transparency and privacy. The bill includes provisions to protect personally identifiable information, yet some critics may argue that the requirements for disclosures could overwhelm state agencies or lead to misinterpretations of the data provided. Additionally, there could be concerns from special interest groups or public officials about the potential for political exploitation of data presented on the transparency portal. Ensuring that the portal operates effectively without compromising sensitive information will be a crucial factor in the bill's success.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2149

The creation of the 988 crisis hotline program.

ND HB1014

Fuel production facility loan guarantee reserve funding, the housing incentive fund, the powers of the North Dakota pipeline authority, definitions for the clean sustainable energy authority, a clean sustainable energy authority line of credit, and an appropriation from the state fiscal recovery fund; to provide a contingent appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a study; to provide for a report; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1245

Communication of property tax levies with the public and financial reporting to the state auditor; to provide for the tax commissioner to study property tax transparency; and to provide for a legislative management report.

ND SB2012

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.

ND SB2309

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.

ND SB2004

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.

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 SB2211

The operations of the state fire marshal; and to provide a continuing appropriation.

ND SB2015

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.

ND SB2393

The state leave sharing program, capitol grounds rent collections, and the law enforcement retirement program; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.