Legislative Report: Feb. 13, 2023

It’s day 22. The committees are all very busy. There are still 237 bills in various committees here in the Senate that either need to be heard or acted on. Unlike some other states, every bill gets a hearing, a vote in committee, and then finally, a vote on the Senate floor. There are some states where issues don’t even get heard in committee. We have a very open and transparent system.

One issue being heard today in the Senate Energy & Natural Resources committee deals with the Red River Water Supply. As this major project plows its way across the state, many landowners are affected. The issue that needs to be clarified is ownership and liability for the pipe. We need to ensure that landowners will not be held liable for that pipe if it begins to deteriorate or cave in. It seems like a reasonable proposal. Will have to see what happens.

As I mentioned last week, decisions needed to be made concerning state employee wage increases. As of today, that budget will have an increase of 4 percent per year. The goal is to use that number as sort of a placeholder to get these early budgets out of committee. The final budget forecast will be heard in early March. From that point, if all indications are positive, there is a plan to enhance those wage increases. There is also a plan to improve equity in our agencies. The Governor has proposed $90 million to go into that equity budget. We will have to see how that works.

Last week we heard a bill to declare Highway 91 as North Dakota’s shortest highway. It is .284 miles long. To get this designation from the State Department of Transportation, you need to provide legislation. As our rural communities continue to struggle, maybe, just maybe, some of these small things will enhance or provide a tourism boost. It has passed the Senate.

Until next time.