All Roll Calls
Yes: 219 • No: 13
North DakotaHB 14822025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 15.1-07-03, 15.1-07-04, 21-03-04, 21-03-07, 21-03-11, and 21-03-13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a school district debt limit election, the requirements of a municipal bond election, and the contents of a ballot.
Sponsored By: Scott Wagner (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.
Emergency bonds without a public vote
If your area is in a county under a governor’s disaster or emergency order, your local government can issue general obligation bonds without an election by a two‑thirds board vote. It can levy taxes to repay the bonds, and those levies are not limited by normal caps. This can raise local taxes to cover emergency costs.
Local levies and bonds for buildings
Cities, counties, and school districts can dedicate a tax levy and issue general obligation bonds to pay for public buildings, fire stations, and school projects. Boards must pass a two‑thirds resolution, publish it, and allow 60 days for protests; if owners of 5% or more of assessed value protest, the plan stops. Local governments can also issue bonds, with a dedicated levy, to prepay special assessments on property they own. Park districts that are separate municipalities can issue bonds for parks, but their total debt is capped at 1% of the district’s assessed value and is subject to the same publication and protest rules. These tools can raise property tax levies to repay bonds in the affected area.
Cities and schools: debt caps and add-ons
The law keeps a base debt cap of 5% of taxable assessed value for each municipality. A city can add 3% more if two‑thirds of voters approve at an election. A school district can add 5% more if a majority of voters approve at an election. A city can also borrow up to an extra 4% for waterworks or sewers with a majority vote. A county or city may issue voter‑approved bonds backed by a revenue‑producing utility, but only up to the utility’s physical value. Any bonds issued over these legal limits are void.
Road projects: bonds, caps, and protests
A city or county can issue bonds without a public vote to pay its share of a highway project under an agreement with the state, federal government, or county. The local share is capped at 30% of construction costs plus 50% of right‑of‑way costs. The initial bond resolution is published, and property owners have 60 days to protest; protests from owners of 5% or more of assessed value stop the plan. A city council can also, by a two‑thirds vote, issue general obligation bonds for arterial streets, bridges, and urban‑renewal‑related work, with the same 60‑day, 5% protest right. Cities with 25,000+ people may help fund bypasses or interchanges outside city limits, and cities may pay for incidental work using taxes, assessments, or utility revenues.
Higher voter bar for local bonds
Municipal bonds now need at least 60% voter approval at a primary or general election, unless another law allows an exception. Local governments can still issue bonds without an election for a few narrow purposes named in statute.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Scott Wagner
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Jason Dockter
Republican • House
Pat D. Heinert
Republican • House
Jorin Johnson
Republican • House
Carrie McLeod
Republican • House
Lisa Meier
Republican • House
Dan Ruby
Republican • House
Cynthia Schreiber-Beck
Republican • House
Steve Swiontek
Republican • House
Jonathan Warrey
Republican • House
Ronald Sorvaag
Republican • Senate
Mark F. Weber
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/21/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 88 nays 4
Yes: 88 • No: 4
Senate vote • 4/16/2025
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 43 nays 4
Yes: 43 • No: 4
House vote • 2/6/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 88 nays 5
Yes: 88 • No: 5
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/28
4/30/2025HouseSigned by Governor 04/28
4/29/2025HouseSent to Governor
4/25/2025HouseSigned by Speaker
4/25/2025HouseSigned by President
4/22/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 88 nays 4
4/21/2025HouseConcurred
4/21/2025HouseReturned to House (12)
4/16/2025HouseSecond reading, passed as amended, yeas 43 nays 4
4/16/2025SenateAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
4/16/2025SenateReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 6 0 0
4/15/2025SenateCommittee Hearing 09:28
4/14/2025SenateCommittee Hearing 02:30
3/10/2025SenateIntroduced, first reading, referred Finance and Taxation Committee
2/13/2025SenateReceived from House
2/7/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 88 nays 5
2/6/2025HouseReported back, do pass, place on calendar 11 1 2
2/5/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 10:30
1/27/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Finance and Taxation Committee
1/20/2025House
Bill Text
Enrollment
HOUSE BILL NO. 1482 with Senate Amendments
INTRODUCED
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Wagner
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