Committee hears debate on limiting park-district bonding authority, email delivery of tax statements and interim study on property tax reporting

The Senate Finance and Taxation Committee on Wednesday heard competing views on House Bill 1572, a measure that would (1) limit park-district expenditures that can be made without going to a public vote to 1% of assessed valuation or $15,000,000, (2) change the content and delivery options for property tax statements, including an opt-in email delivery option, and (3) reconstitute a legislative tax-reform advisory committee and require a report on the property-tax relief provided by the state.

Representative Jared Haggart, R‑District 20, introduced the bill and described two versions. He said the 3,000 version includes the 1% or $15,000,000 cap on park-district spending and changes to the property-tax statement; his 3,002 amendment collapses some reporting sections into an interim study, retains the email-delivery option as an opt‑in, and restores language so the legislative relief amount continues to be calculated for the biennium.

The measure drew support from the North Dakota Association of Counties, which backed the amended version and said a study could help streamline reporting and statutorily authorize email delivery. "The opt‑in email option is appreciated," Linda Swajovic of the…