Legislative Liaison
  2009 ND Legislative Session
ND Rural Water Systems Association

February 20, 2009 Issue 6
In This Issue
 
 
 
 
 
How to Contact Your Legislators
 
Grassroots efforts start at home. They can start today. If a quality supply of water would help your community grow, then pick up the phone, or email your local legislator while the topic is fresh in your mind. Start your participation in this grassroots effort to bring quality water to every community and citizen in our great state!
You may leave a message for any legislator by calling 888-635-3447. This is a toll free call.  Email addresses for legislators are available from the ND Legislative Council by CLICKING HERE.
 
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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):
  
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Did You Know?
North Dakota has one of the most open legislatures in the nation? Every bill must have a public hearing before a legislative committee, must be publicly voted upon by the committee, and then must come before the full House or Senate for still another public vote. You have the right, as do all citizens, to testify before the North Dakota Legislative Assembly on ANY bill or resolution. Your opportunity to testify on a bill is at the committee hearing. If you prefer, you may submit written testimony instead of appearing before the committee.
We have a great citizen legislature in North Dakota - that fortunately seems to work quite well. EXERCISE your right to testify before the legislature. Legislators want to hear what you have to saw.

Learn More. . .
..about legislation in North Dakota. Click a topic below:

HOW TO TESTIFY BEFORE A LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
 
 
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Weekly Legislative Liaison

The Legislative Liaison is sent most Fridays during the Legislative Session. It is now available on our Web site as well as via e-mail, fax, or regular mail service. E-mail is the most efficient way to stay up to date due to the time-sensitive nature of the information.
Water Conservation
"Tip of the Week"
 
Facilitate public involvement to address water conservation issues.  Bring people of the community together from different backgrounds and with an interest in local natural resource topics to form a water conservation advisory committee or focus group.  This assemblage of people could identify local water conservation issues and bring out ideas from the grassroots level to address these issues.  Conservation of our water resources should include insights accrued from interactions with the public.  Conservation is defined by G. Tyler Miller, Jr. in his 1990 book Living in the Environment as the "use, management, and protection of resources so that they are not degraded, depleted, or wasted, and are available on a sustainable basis for use by present and future generations."

Nels Halgren, Mel, April Haring, Gordy Blixt, Jack Hancock - In front of one of ND's statues at the new Capitol Visitors' CenterNRWA Fly-In to

Washington, DC
By Melody Kruckenberg
 
Washington, DC, is always an interesting and exciting city to visit, but being there last week right in the midst of passing The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, more commonly known as the stimulus, made the visit just that much more interesting and exciting. No matter how you may personally feel about the overall stimulus plan, if you are involved in water and/or wastewater (and you must be if you are receiving this newsletter!), you should be excited about the possibilities it may bring to our industry and North Dakota.
 
The Fly-In is an annual event sponsored by the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) whereby state rural water affiliates bring a small contingency to Washington to visit with our Congressional delegation and try to persuade them to make sure funding for our training and technical on-site assistance programs is included in the next year's USDA and EPA budgets.

President Jack Hancock, Vice-President Gordy Blixt, Managers' Rep Nels Halgren, April Haring, auditor for the city of Oakes, Gerard Gernand, assistant manager of South Central Regional Water District, and I arrived in Washington on Wednesday, February 11 and returned to ND on Friday, February 13. While there we met with our Senators and Melanie Rhinehart Van Tassell, Congressman Pomeroy's Legislative Director. We are fortunate that all of them are very supportive of our programs - Circuit Rider, Wastewater Tech, Training, and Sourcewater Protection - and will do what they can to make sure our funding is included in the fiscal year 2010 budget. Of course, we also discussed the stimulus, as well as some railroad issues and various water projects in the state.

Each of our DC delegation received a binder that included copies of the many thank you letters we receive from the systems that our staff has helped throughout the year. Those letters are very important in showing the need for our programs to Congress and much appreciated by the association. Another powerful tactic we use is the voice of experience. We invite folks from water systems that have been impacted by the training and technical assistance our staff provides and let them give our Congressional delegation firsthand accounts of the help they received and the cost-savings to their systems. Nels Halgren, Gerard Gernand, and April Haring all shared their systems' stories. April, in particular, had a very compelling story to tell about both of our circuit riders, Tom Sieg and Mike Ritteman, poly-pigging the entire city of Oakes and how much money was saved plus how their water quality improved dramatically. On behalf of the staff and executive board of the NDRWSA, I want to extend a BIG thank you to April, Nels, and Gerard for taking the time out of their busy schedules to help us out this year.

We are also very appreciative of Congressman Pomeroy, and Senators Conrad and Dorgan for their continued support of rural water.

Approximately 20 North Dakotans will travel to Washington, DC for the NRWA's Annual Rural Water Rally, April 19-21. If you would like more information, please visit National Rural Water Association, or call our office.

Hearing Schedule

WED

2/25

9:00 PM

Lewis and Clark Room

HB 1277

S-FIINTAX

Chairman: Sen. D. Cook

Comments: Relating to allowance of the income tax credit on the form ND-1 income tax return for installation of geothermal energy devices; and to provide an effective date.

 

 

 

 

THU

2/26

10:00 AM

Fort Union Room

SB 2136

H-GVA

Chairman: Rep. B. Grande

Comments: Relating to lending and borrowing powers of the public finance authority.

 

 

 

 

FRI

2/27

10:30 AM

Pioneer Room

SB 2051

H-NATRES

Chairman: Rep. T. Porter

Comments: Relating to elimination of the limits on the amount the oil impact fund and counties may receive under the oil and gas gross production tax; and to provide an effective date.

Crossover
Today is the official crossover date. Legislators recessed yesterday, February 19 and will resume work on Wednesday, February 25. Four hundred forty bills and 24 resolutions were introduced in the Senate this session and the House introduced 576 bills and 45 resolutions. All legislation that passed the house of its origin has now been passed onto the other body for consideration.
 
Summary and status of select bills that may be of particular interest to the rural water community:

HB 1020 (At the request of the Governor) A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the state water commission; to provide legislative intent; to provide an exemption; to provide a line of credit; and to provide an appropriation for repayment of the line of credit. Amendment includes $200,000 from the general fund to be provided as a grant to the Game and Fish Department as a grant for law enforcement activities on sovereign lands.

Title:    (At the request of the Governor) A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the state water commission; to provide legislative intent; to provide an exemption; to provide a line of credit; and to provide an appropriation for repayment of the line of credit.

Sponsor(s):

Appropriations Committee

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/06

APPR

Introduced, first reading, referred Appropriations

01/07

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/07 03:00 PM

01/21

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/21 09:00 AM

02/18

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 024 n 000

02/19

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

02/19

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

02/19

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 089 nays 004

HB 1220 Relating to the definition of a meeting. Amendment excludes a quorum of members of a governing body during an emergency and not discussing public business from the definition of a "meeting".

Title:   Relating to the definition of a meeting.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. Nathe, Porter, Thoreson

Sen. Stenehjem

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/08

JUD

Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary

01/20

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/20 09:45 AM

01/21

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 012 n 000

01/22

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

01/23

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 087 nays 000

01/26

 

Received from House

 

HB 1235 Relating to oil extraction tax rates and exemptions; and to provide an effective date. Amendment provides for an oil extraction tax rate reduction for horizontal wells.

Title:   Relating to an oil extraction tax rate reduction for horizontal wells; to provide an effective date; declare an emergency.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. Skarphol, Froseth, Wald

Sen. Bowman, O'Connell, Wardner

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/09

FINTAX

Introduced, first reading, referred Finance and Taxation

01/27

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/27 09:00 AM

02/13

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 008 n 005

02/16

 

Amendment adopted

02/16

APPR

Rereferred to Appropriations

02/19

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 022 n 002

02/19

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

02/19

 

Second reading passed, y 067 n 025 Emergency clause carried

HB 1277 Relating to allowance of the income tax credit on the form ND-1 income tax return for installation of geothermal energy devices; and to provide an effective date.

Title:   Relating to allowance of the income tax credit on the form ND-1 income tax return for installation of geothermal energy devices; and to provide an effective date.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. Porter, S. Kelsh, Weiler

Sen. Cook, Triplett, Wardner

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/09

FINTAX

Introduced, first reading, referred Finance and Taxation

01/20

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/20 11:00 AM

01/27

 

Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar y 007 n 006

01/30

 

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 046 nays 039

02/02

 

Reconsidered

02/02

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 050 nays 043

02/03

 

Received from House

02/18

FINTAX

Introduced, first reading, referred Finance and Taxation

02/25

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/25 09:00 AM

HB 1278 Relating to removal of the city of Mandan from the southwest water authority; and to provide an effective date.

Title:   A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact sections 61-24.5-04, 61-24.5-07, and 61-24.5-08 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to members of the board of directors of the southwest water authority; to repeal sections 61-24.5-10, 61-24.5-11, 61-24.5-12, 61-24.5-13, and 61-24.5-14 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to property tax levies within the southwest water authority; and to provide an effective date. Amendment provides for a resident of Mandan to serve as a director on the board of the Southwest Water Authority and repeals the property levy authority of the Southwest Water Authority effective 01/01/2020 unless a majority of the qualified electors approves it.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. Porter, R. Kelsch

Sen. Cook

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/09

POLSUB

Introduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions

01/16

POLSUB

Request return from committee

01/16

NATRES

Rereferred to Natural Resources

02/06

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/06 09:00 AM

02/16

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 010 n 003

02/16

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

02/18

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 074 nays 020

HB 1283 Relating to the definition of a meeting.

Title:   Relating to the definition of a meeting.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. Damschen, Weisz, Wieland

Sen. Wardner

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/12

JUD

Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary

02/02

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/02 09:00 AM

02/03

 

Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar y 012 n 001

02/06

 

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 021 nays 071

HB 1286 Relating to a water permit exemption for small commercial gardens. Amendment changes the bill to require a permit and establishes a fee of $25 for commercial gardens not exceeding fifteen acres and noncommercial gardens greater than one acre but not exceeding fifteen acres.

Title:   A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 61-04-04.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to water permit application fees.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. DeKrey

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/12

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

01/30

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/30 09:30 AM

02/13

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 011 n 000

02/16

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

02/17

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 089 nays 003

02/18

 

Received from House

HB 1293 Relating to the definition of a public improvement and bidding requirements.

Title:   Relating to the definition of a public improvement and bidding requirements.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. Dosch, Delzer

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/12

POLSUB

Introduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions

02/05

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/05 10:00 AM

02/17

 

Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar y 011 n 002

02/19

 

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 023 nays 070

 

HB 1305 A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the state water commission for water supply project grants. Amendment adds $100,000 to the bill to provide local cost share assistance for the Renwick Dam and adds an emergency clause to the bill.

Title:   A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the state water commission for water project grants; and to declare an emergency.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. Skarphol, Rust

Sen. Andrist

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/12

APPR

Introduced, first reading, referred Appropriations

01/22

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/22 10:00 AM

02/13

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 021 n 003

02/16

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

02/16

 

Second reading passed, y 084 n 008 Emergency clause carried

02/17

 

Received from House

HB 1359 Relating to exclusion from annexation.

Title:   Relating to exclusion from annexation.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. Wrangham, Nathe, Weiler

Sen. Klein

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/12

POLSUB

Introduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions

02/05

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/05 02:15 PM

02/17

 

Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar y 010 n 003

02/19

 

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 010 nays 083

HB 1369 Relating to the removal of appointed political subdivision officers. Amendment adds habitual drunkenness or gross incompetence to the list of reasons an individual may be removed from a political subdivision's governing body.

Title:   A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 44-08 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the removal of appointed political subdivision officers; and to declare an emergency.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. Skarphol, Wall, Williams

Sen. Anderson

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/12

POLSUB

Introduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions

02/06

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/06 09:00 AM

02/16

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 012 n 000

02/16

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

02/18

 

Second reading passed, y 094 n 000 Emergency clause carried

HB 1487 Relating to the receipt of federal economic stimulus or fiscal relief funding; declare an emergency.

Title:   Relating to the receipt of federal economic stimulus or fiscal relief funding; declare an emergency.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. Carlson, Boucher

Sen. Stenehjem, O'Connell

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/19

APPR

Introduced, first reading, (emergency), referred Appropriations

01/28

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/28 08:30 AM

01/29

 

Reported back, do pass, placed on calendar y 021 n 000

02/03

 

Second reading passed, y 091 n 002 Emergency clause carried

02/04

 

Received from House

HB 1554 Relating to extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction of cities; and to provide for application. The amendment removes the portion of the bill that provided authority and mediation through July 31, 2009.

Title:   Relating to extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction of cities.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. Damschen, D. Johnson, Wrangham

Sen. Klein

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/19

POLSUB

Introduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions

02/05

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/05 02:30 PM

02/17

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 012 n 001

02/19

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 052 nays 040

HCR3014 A concurrent resolution urging Congress not to replace "navigable water" with "waters of the United States" in any Clean Water Act-related legislation considered by Congress. Amendment adds the President of the United States, the Senate and House Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, the United States Secretary of the Interior to the list of those that should receive copies of the resolution.

Title:   A concurrent resolution urging Congress not to replace "navigable water" with "waters of the United States" in any Clean Water Act-related legislation considered by Congress.

Sponsor(s):

Rep. Brandenburg, Belter, Boe

Sen. Heckaman, O'Connell, Wanzek

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/27

AGR

Introduced, first reading, referred Agriculture

01/28

AGR

Introduced, first reading, referred Agriculture

02/12

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/12 09:30 AM

02/16

 

Report back amend, do pass, place on consent cal y 011 n 000

02/16

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 011 n 000

02/16

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

02/19

 

Second reading, adopted

SB 2027 Relating to extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction of cities. Amendment changes the determining body for extraterritorial zoning mediation from an administrative law judge to the board of county commissioners and provides an expiration date of July 31, 2011.

Title:   Relating to extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction of cities.

Sponsor(s):

Legislative Council

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/06

GVA

Introduced, first reading, referred Government and Veterans Affai

01/23

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/23 09:00 AM

02/16

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 005 n 000

02/17

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

02/18

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 046 nays 000

02/18

 

Motion to reconsider laid on table

02/19

 

Received from Senate

SB 2051 Relating to elimination of the limits on the amount the oil impact fund and counties may receive under the oil and gas gross production tax; and to provide an effective date. Amendment reenacts Section 57-51.1-07 of the North Dakota Century Code to provide that 2% of the state's share of the oil and gas gross production tax and oil extraction tax revenues up to $6 million must be deposited into the oil and gas research fund.

Title:   Relating to oil and gas research fund deposits.

Sponsor(s):

Legislative Council

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/06

FINTAX

Introduced, first reading, referred Finance and Taxation

01/20

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/20 09:00 AM

02/05

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 007 n 000

02/06

 

Amendment adopted

02/06

APPR

Rereferred to Appropriations

02/10

 

Reported back, do pass, placed on calendar y 013 n 000

02/10

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/10 11:15 AM

02/12

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 047 nays 000

02/13

 

Received from Senate

02/17

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

02/27

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/27 10:30 AM

SB 2063 (At the request of the Governor) A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the comprehensive tobacco control advisory committee. Amendment adjusts the budget downward from $18.6M to $12.9M, adds 4 FTEs to the committee, requires a committee report to the Legislative Council, makes the legislation retroactive to January 01, 2009, and declares an emergency clause.

Title:    (At the request of the Governor) A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the comprehensive tobacco prevention and control executive committee; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for reports to the legislative council; to provide for retroactive application; and to declare an emergency.

Sponsor(s):

Appropriations Committee

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/06

APPR

Introduced, first reading, referred Appropriations

01/08

HUMSER

Rereferred to Human Services

01/20

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/20 10:00 AM

02/09

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 006 n 000

02/10

 

Amendment adopted

02/10

APPR

Rereferred to Appropriations

02/13

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/13 10:30 AM

02/16

 

Reported back, do pass, placed on calendar y 014 n 000

02/17

 

Second reading passed, y 046 n 000 Emergency clause carried

02/18

 

Received from Senate

SB 2136 Relating to lending and borrowing powers of the public finance authority.

Title:   Relating to lending and borrowing powers of the public finance authority.

Sponsor(s):

Government and Veterans Affairs Committee

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/06

GVA

Introduced, first reading, referred Government and Veterans Affai

01/08

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/08 10:00 AM

01/12

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 005 n 000

01/13

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

01/14

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 046 nays 000

01/15

 

Received from Senate

02/13

GVA

Introduced, first reading, referred Government and Veterans Affai

02/26

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/26 10:00 AM

SB 2138 Relating to assessing the costs of investigating a potential violation of pipeline safety standards; and to provide a continuing appropriation.

Title:   Relating to assessing the costs of investigating a potential violation of pipeline safety standards; and to provide a continuing appropriation.

Sponsor(s):

Natural Resources Committee

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/06

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

01/15

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/15 10:00 AM

01/27

 

Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar y 006 n 001

01/28

 

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 004 nays 042

SB 2151 Relating to liability of the state, the definition of discretionary acts relating to design of a public project, and claims arising from leased vehicles.

Title:   Relating to liability of the state, the definition of discretionary acts relating to design of a public project, and claims arising from leased vehicles.

Sponsor(s):

Transportation Committee

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/06

TRAN

Introduced, first reading, referred Transportation

01/16

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/16 11:00 AM

02/03

 

Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar y 006 n 000

02/04

 

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 000 nays 047

SB 2193 Relating to the powers and duties and tax levy of the southwest water authority.

Title:   Relating to the powers and duties and tax levy of the southwest water authority.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Wardner, Christmann, Robinson

Rep. Hanson, Hofstad, Nottestad

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/12

FINTAX

Introduced, first reading, referred Finance and Taxation

01/19

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/19 09:00 AM

02/05

 

Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar y 004 n 002

02/09

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 036 nays 007

02/09

 

Amended on floor

02/09

 

Amendment failed

02/10

 

Received from Senate

SB 2251 Relating to compensation for water resource district managers.

Title:   Relating to compensation for water resource district managers.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Fischer, G. Lee, J. Lee

Rep. Kasper, Nelson, Nottestad

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/19

GVA

Introduced, first reading, referred Government and Veterans Affai

01/30

 

Reported back, do pass, placed on calendar y 004 n 000

01/30

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/30 09:30 AM

02/03

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 046 nays 000

02/04

 

Received from Senate

SB 2252 Relating to water resource district tax levies.

Title:   Relating to water resource district tax levies.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Fischer, G. Lee, J. Lee

Rep. Delmore, Nelson, Vigesaa

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/19

FINTAX

Introduced, first reading, referred Finance and Taxation

02/11

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/11 09:30 AM

02/12

 

Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar y 005 n 001

02/16

 

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 014 nays 033

SB 2253 Relating to the appointment of water resource district managers.

Title:   Relating to the appointment of water resource district managers.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Fischer, G. Lee, Miller

Rep. Kasper, Nelson, Nottestad

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/19

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

02/13

 

Reported back, do pass, placed on calendar y 007 n 000

02/13

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/13 09:15 AM

02/16

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 047 nays 000

02/17

 

Received from Senate

SB 2254 Relating to maintenance of federal water management projects.

Title:   Relating to maintenance of federal water management projects.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Fischer, J. Lee, Miller

Rep. Kasper, Nelson, Nottestad

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/19

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

01/29

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/29 09:00 AM

01/30

 

Reported back, do pass, placed on calendar y 007 n 000

02/03

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 046 nays 000

02/04

 

Received from Senate

SB 2255 Relating to exercise of the power of eminent domain by water resource districts.

Title:   Relating to exercise of the power of eminent domain by water resource districts.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Fischer, G. Lee, Nething

Rep. Kasper, Nelson, Nottestad

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/19

JUD

Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary

01/22

JUD

Request return from committee

01/22

AGR

Rereferred to Agriculture

02/06

 

Reported back, do pass, placed on calendar y 005 n 002

02/06

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/06 09:00 AM

02/11

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 040 nays 006

02/12

 

Received from Senate

SB 2273 Relating to plans and specifications for public improvement contracts and bidding requirements.

Title:   Relating to plans and specifications for public improvement contracts and bidding requirements.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. O'Connell, Fischer, Olafson

Rep. Froseth, Hunskor, Klein

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/19

GVA

Introduced, first reading, referred Government and Veterans Affai

01/28

GVA

Request return from committee

01/28

 

Withdrawn from further consideration

SB 2292 Relating to water permit applications and notices.

Title:   Relating to water permit applications and notices.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Mathern, Potter

Rep. Drovdal, S. Meyer, Mock, Onstad

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/19

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

01/29

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 01/29 09:30 AM

02/02

 

Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar y 007 n 000

02/03

 

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 001 nays 045

SB 2298 Relating to authorizing revenue bonds for the Red River valley water supply project; relating to the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District. Amendment allows for provision of water to entities outside the district as allowed by NDCC 54-40.3. NDCC 54-40.3 applies to joint powers agreements and requires entities into which an agreement is entered into to have reciprocal authority.

Title:   Relating to authorizing revenue bonds for the Red River valley water supply project; relating to the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. G. Lee, Anderson, Wanzek

Rep. Berg, S. Kelsh, Pollert

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/19

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

02/13

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/13 08:30 AM

02/16

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 006 n 000

02/17

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

02/18

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 044 nays 001

02/18

 

Motion to reconsider laid on table

02/19

 

Received from Senate

SB 2316 A BILL for an Act to provide state cost-sharing for flood control projects. Amendment changes the bill from one requiring the SWC to provide a sixty-five percent cost share to one that recommends the SWC provide a sixty-five percent cost share.

Title:   A BILL for an Act to provide a recommendation concerning state cost-sharing for water retention projects.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Fischer, Flakoll, Robinson

Rep. Damschen, Kaldor, S. Kelsh

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/19

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

02/05

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/05 09:00 AM

02/09

 

Reported back amend, dnp, placed on calendar y 005 n 002

02/10

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

02/12

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 027 nays 020

02/13

 

Received from Senate

02/17

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

SB 2317 Relating to the funding plan for the Red River valley water supply project.

Title:   Relating to the funding plan for the Red River valley water supply project.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Fischer, Flakoll, Nelson

Rep. Hawken, Hofstad, Kaldor

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/19

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

02/05

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/05 09:00 AM

02/06

 

Reported back, do pass, placed on calendar y 007 n 000

02/11

 

Laid over one legislative day

02/12

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 046 nays 001

02/13

 

Received from Senate

02/17

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

SB 2336 Relating to the duties of the state water commission; relating to the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District; relating to the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District; and to provide an effective date. Amendment changes the bill from an Act to dissolve the District to a bill creating an overview committee to meet quarterly during the interim.

Title:   Relating to the Garrison diversion overview committee.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Fischer, Erbele

Rep. Hawken, S. Kelsh

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/20

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

02/06

NATRES

Rereferred to Natural Resources

02/06

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/06 09:00 AM

02/09

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 007 n 000

02/10

 

Amendment adopted

02/10

APPR

Rereferred to Appropriations

02/16

 

Reported back, do pass, placed on calendar y 014 n 000

02/16

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/16 09:45 AM

02/17

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 047 nays 000

02/18

 

Received from Senate

SB 2382 Relating to siting of solid waste landfills.

Title:   Relating to siting of solid waste landfills.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Cook, Dever, Nelson

Rep. Kaldor, Wrangham

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/26

POLSUB

Introduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions

02/05

 

Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar y 006 n 000

02/05

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/05 09:30 AM

02/10

 

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 003 nays 040

SB 2401 Relating to requirements for plans and specifications and bids for public improvements. Amendment converts the bill from an Act establishing a law to one requiring a study.

Title:   Relating to requirements for plans and specifications and bids for public improvements.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. O'Connell, Olafson

Rep. Hunskor, Klein

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/26

POLSUB

Introduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions

02/05

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/05 10:15 AM

02/06

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 006 n 000

02/09

 

Laid over one legislative day

02/10

 

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

02/12

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 047 nays 000

02/13

 

Received from Senate

02/17

POLSUB

Introduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions

SB 2424 A BILL for an Act to provide funding for water project features constructed to control aquatic nuisance species.

Title:   A BILL for an Act to provide funding for water project features constructed to control aquatic nuisance species.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Fischer, Heckaman

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/27

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

02/05

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/05 10:15 AM

02/06

 

Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar y 007 n 000

02/11

 

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 015 nays 031

SB 2427 Relating to allowance of the income tax credit on the form ND-1 income tax return for installation of geothermal energy devices; relating to energy conservation standards in new building construction; to provide borrowing authority; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an effective date.

Title:   Relating to allowance of the income tax credit on the form ND-1 income tax return for installation of geothermal energy devices; and to provide an effective date.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Triplett, Grindberg, Schneider

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/27

FINTAX

Introduced, first reading, referred Finance and Taxation

02/03

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/03 08:00 AM

02/06

 

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment poc y 007 n 000

02/09

 

Amendment adopted

02/09

APPR

Rereferred to Appropriations

02/16

 

Reported back, do pass, placed on calendar y 009 n 005

02/16

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/16 11:00 AM

02/17

 

Second reading, passed, yeas 042 nays 004

02/18

 

Received from Senate

SB 2440 Relating to chemigation site permits; and to provide for a legislative council report.

Title:   Relating to chemigation site permits; and to provide for a legislative council report.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. Lindaas, Olafson

Rep. Kaldor, Monson, Schmidt

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/27

AGR

Introduced, first reading, referred Agriculture

02/05

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/05 08:00 AM

02/06

 

Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar y 005 n 002

02/11

 

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 022 nays 024

02/12

 

Motion to reconsider failed

SCR4020 A concurrent resolution urging Congress to preserve the exemption of hydraulic fracturing from the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act and to not enact legislation that removes the exemption for hydraulic fracturing.

Title:   A concurrent resolution urging Congress to preserve the exemption of hydraulic fracturing from the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act and to not enact legislation that removes the exemption for hydraulic fracturing.

Sponsor(s):

Sen. O'Connell, Grindberg, Wardner

Rep. Berg, S. Meyer, Skarphol

File Date

 Comm 

Action

01/30

NATRES

Introduced, first reading, referred Natural Resources

02/12

 

COMMITTEE HEARING 02/12 02:30 PM

02/13

 

Reported back, do pass, placed on calendar y 007 n 000

 
natnewsNational News
 
Congress Finalizes Their Economic Recovery
Full document HERE
Key provisions:
  • $1.38 billion for USDA grants and loans (see cite)
  • $2.0 billion for SDWA SRF (see cite)
  • $4.0 billion for CWA SRF (see cite)
  • Key provisions for the SRF funding - no state match, 1% set-aside for EPA management, EPA to reallocate funds not under contract or construction within 12 months, 50% of funding to be used for grants, limitation on refinancing existing debt, etc.  The conference report to the bill says, "the Conferees expect the States to target, as much as possible, the additional subsidized monies to communities that could not otherwise afford an SRF loan."
  • Lawmakers also retained House and Senate provisions that apply Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements to both the drinking water and wastewater SRF funds, which critics have argued would diminish the overall level of funds available for infrastructure spending. (cite)
  • The bill provides approximately the exact amount that rural water calculated last month to clear the current USDA backlog.  The way that USDA calculates the backlog is larger than the amount appropriated in the bill because much of the backlog is for loans which cost the USDA less (than the loan amount) in present day dollars - as much of the loan money is repaid.  See an explanation of this standard accounting exercise.
  • A state-by-state breakout of Clean Water Act State Revolving Funds in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act can be viewed HERE.  This analysis is based on a distribution of $4 billion in funding to the Clean Water Act SRF.
  • Also a state by state distribution of drinking water SRF for FY2008 (see chart).  The funding in the stimulus is just under 2.5 times this amount.

For more information visit http://www.recovery.gov/