State aid for institutions of higher education; and to provide legislative intent.
Impact
The impact of SB2034 on state laws is significant as it seeks to ensure that institutions of higher education receive stable funding based on their performance in credit hour completion. By anchoring the funding formula to a historic period, the bill aims to protect institutions from sudden fluctuations in state funding, which can be disruptive especially for smaller colleges and universities. This legislative change may enhance the financial safety net for these institutions, encouraging them to focus on maintaining or improving educational standards and outcomes.
Summary
Senate Bill 2034 is aimed at modifying the state's formula for providing aid to institutions of higher education in North Dakota. The bill specifically amends subsection 2 of section 15-18.2-03 of the North Dakota Century Code. The primary focus of the amendment is to adjust the credit completion factor for educational institutions based on the number of credit hours completed, linking it back to the metrics established during the 2017-19 biennium. This adjustment is intended to provide a level of stability and predictability in state funding for these institutions, which is crucial for their operational planning and educational offerings.
Contention
During discussions regarding SB2034, there may be points of contention regarding the appropriateness of pegging current funding rates to past performance metrics. Supporters argue that this approach provides a necessary continuity that aligns funding with verified educational achievements. However, critics may contend that it could penalize institutions that are growing or evolving to meet new educational demands, particularly if their credit completion rates are lower relative to the 2017-19 standards. Such discussions highlight an ongoing debate about how best to measure educational outcomes and distribute state resources effectively.
Matching grants for legal education and the workforce education advisory council; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide loan authorization for the Mayville state university old main project; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; to provide legislative intent; 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.
School district enrollment, the definition of "probationary teacher", a school district's policy governing possession of a weapon, the definition of "dangerous weapon", modification of weighting factors, transition maximums and an increase in per student payments, and the school construction revolving loan fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide for an exemption; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.
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 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 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.