Information Technology Council of North Dakota - Legislative Information

Legislature in Recess Until Monday



The North Dakota Legislature recessed Thursday and Friday, March 26 and 27, to allow lawmakers to return home to help battle rising floodwaters. It will reconvene on Monday, March 30.



All bills are required to be out of committee by the 55th legislative day, which, due to the recess, will not occur until Monday, March 30. The remaining bills are expected to be on the floor of their respective chamber early next week, and then move into conference committee if necessary. ITCND will continue to closely monitor bills as they move onto the chamber floor or into conference committee.



Key Hearings Held March 23-27



SB 2062 – Support

SB 2062 was heard before the House Appropriations Education and Environment Subcommittee March 23. Included in the bill is the creation of the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) loan forgiveness program. The House Education amendments decreased the amount and duration of loan forgiveness from $2,000 for up to five years to $1,500 for up to four years and also stated the program would not accept new applicants following the 2009-11 biennium. The current total appropriation for the program is $1.7 million, which is split between SB 2062 ($1 million) and SB 2003 ($696,000). Attached is the testimony of ITCND Executive Director Deana Wiese in support of SB 2062.



Status of Key Bills



SB 2040 – Support

SB 2040 was given a 21-1 “do pass” recommendation by the House Appropriations Committee March 23. This bill provides a sales and use tax exemption for new or replacement equipment used for telecommunications infrastructure development. It will now go to the full House for final passage.



Hearing Schedule and Status Report (March 30-April 3)



The committee hearings for bills ITCND is monitoring are completed. The work will now take place in subcommittees and conference committees. A status report for the bills being tracked by ITCND is attached.



For More Information



If at any time you need additional information or know of others who are interested in receiving this report, contact Annika Nelson, ITCND assistant executive director, at office@itcnd.org or 701-355-4458.



Copies of bill drafts and information about the 61st Legislative Session can be found at the Bills and Resolutions link on the North Dakota Legislative Council website at www.legis.nd.gov/.



How to Contact Your Legislators



During a legislative session, a legislator can be reached at the State Capitol through e-mail or by leaving a message with the legislative telephone message center at 888-NDLEGIS (635-3447) or 701-328-3373 (local). These numbers can also be used to obtain information on bills under consideration. Otherwise, a legislator can be reached by mail or e-mail at the address listed in the legislator's bio online under the 61st Legislative Assembly link at www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/61-2009.





Addressing Mail Correspondence

To a Senator:

Honorable (full name)

State Senator

600 E. Boulevard Ave.

Bismarck, ND 58505



Dear Senator (last name)


To a Representative:

Honorable (full name)

State Representative

600 E. Boulevard Ave.

Bismarck, ND 58505



Dear Representative (last name)




2009 Legislative Deadlines




Date

April 10

April 30
Topic

Good Friday

Session is limited to 80 legislative days




Legislative Bills Tracked






Appropriation Bills

SB 2003 – North Dakota University System – Support

SB 2016 – Job Service North Dakota – Support

SB 2018 – North Dakota Department of Commerce – Support

SB 2019 – North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education – Support

SB 2021 – Information Technology Department – Support



Other Bills

HB 1144 – Relating to confidentiality of information contained in records – Track

HB 1202 – Relating to entrepreneurship awards; relating to the Bank of North Dakota and North Dakota development fund, incorporated, use of funds for entrepreneurship awards; and to provide an expiration date – Track

SB 2040 – Sales and use tax exemption for telecommunications infrastructure equipment – Support

SB 2062 – STEM loan forgiveness program – Support; Opportunity grant program – Support

SB 2110 – Expands Operation Intern to include apprenticeships and participation from 11th and 12th graders – Support

SB 2131 – Relating to service charges for recycling and disposal for surplus property – Track

SB 2269 – Relating to angel fund investment income tax credits – Support

SB 2325 – Relating to the streamlined sales tax agreement – Track

SB 2347 – Relating to gross receipts from the sale of items delivered electronically – Track

SB 2390 – Relating to the establishment and development of certified technology parks – Track