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Committee hears bill to set minimum winter indoor temperature for rentals; debate over enforcement and penalties
Summary
Representative Austin Foss introduced HB 1496 to define 'reasonable heat' as 68°F from Oct. 1–Apr. 30. The ACLU and tenant advocates supported the bill; members raised concerns about enforcement, building systems, and an amendment proposing an infraction penalty of up to $1,000 that was later withdrawn for further work.
Representative Austin Foss introduced House Bill 1496 to the House Agriculture Committee, asking the panel to add a clear, objective standard to North Dakota landlord‑tenant law by defining "reasonable heat." Foss told the committee the bill would require rental units to maintain a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit from Oct. 1 to April 30.
Tenant advocates, including Cody Schuler of the ACLU of North Dakota, testified in support, noting that the Department of Housing and Urban Development guidance for public housing has used 68°F as a minimum and that roughly two dozen…
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