Conference committee debates whether HB1619 should favor renovations or big new long‑term care projects

A conference committee on House Bill 1619 met to discuss creating a long‑term care infrastructure revolving loan fund that would provide financing for construction and renovation of long‑term care facilities.

The committee heard differing views about how to structure the fund and how much to appropriate. Senator Davidson said the bill originally proposed a $50 million infrastructure revolving loan fund in the House, and that Senate amendments reduced or reallocated several figures, including lowering a per‑recipient cap and changing loan terms. He also said a line in section 2 was intended only to standardize an existing medical and hospital loan fund after input from the Bank of North Dakota: “The Bank of North Dakota came forward during testimony and suggested ... we standardize that fund too while we are at it,” Senator Davidson said.

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