[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6292455,"mediaKeyId","2526311-803564f9b38cf4bb108585145e3ce8e1","parentId",2526311,"title","Panel adopts clarifying language and debates tribal motor‑vehicle excise tax exemption","audioSeconds",1436,"startMs",5892000,"endMs",7328000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2526311-803564f9b38cf4bb108585145e3ce8e1&start=5892&end=7328","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2526311-803564f9b38cf4bb108585145e3ce8e1/thumbnail_5892000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6292455/North-Dakota/Panel-adopts-clarifying-language-and-debates-tribal-motorvehicle-excise-tax-exemption","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292455-f25d69873ad24d0dec6bedb9b3f66af5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771081432&Signature=W1lcB9hjwcFDJNLwhitKHh0XEzRWxTXpH8GOgR4BvZlqQ7Vt6IIJcz402Ci4y0b0Z3STBojuabwEilYeGfcofqgRlDK9zBiRHvXbGR4BAkCrTuYCl2EZwOn6BJdbYmB4kYNTpmOm8NSYRPLXQJOt6dh6chJeSS4KrHWCOGAoe1b44t6DRBQFBCuxkCY2K6tyTCfd~zlGXf5Pjbgw1rY9ATuPmQ4GZEcG57DCJbVYpszjFuwvzgOuWA4LjOxxFQ738Bnuil5BnagSdiZ~HSD9OroZr9JNDD~DGFJYIZys~iORYKFLEqWzHal9pznobSlLQPEJp8z-tNgNARsJRgWiyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Dakota State Legislature","date","2025-03-07T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 2207 would add federally recognized Indian tribes within reservation boundaries to the list of political subdivisions exempt from motor‑vehicle excise tax. The bill drew support from its sponsor, Senator Dale Patton, and the state tax commissioner, who provided an estimate of the fiscal impact.

Senator Patton said tribes are political subdivisions and should receive the same excise tax exemption already available to federal, state and local governments. Brian Croches, the state Tax Commissioner, provided an illustrative estimate that roughly 750–762 vehicles registered to tribal governments across the state could create a biennial excise tax revenue reduction in the range of about $500,000 to $750,000 depending on turnover and trade‑in values.

Committee members raised questions about administrative details such as how tribes dispose of or reassign fleet vehicles, what procurement or title transfer processes tribes use, and whether the exemption could be misused if a government entity operated as a business selling vehicles. Representative Ben Koppelman offered a drafting amendment drawn from the sales‑tax code to add clarifying language: for purposes of the section, an Indian tribe means a tribal government, instrumentality, or political subdivision that performs essential government services and does not include business entities whose primary purpose is operating a business enterprise. The committee adopted that clarifying sentence on a voice vote and later proceeded with committee action on the bill.

The tax commissioner’s office said the exemption would reduce excise tax collections that support the state’s highway fund and related distributions; the department’s estimate accounted for vehicle turnover and trade‑in values in calculating potential revenue impact.

The committee recorded a roll call when it considered a do‑pass as amended motion. The transcript records a tied roll (7 yes, 7 no) at one point and later committee discussion; the transcript does not clearly document a definitive final roll outcome in a single unambiguous line, though the committee proceeded to name a bill carrier and take additional committee business. The committee also discussed where the clarifying definition should be placed in the bill text and allowed legislative counsel to format the insertion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Transportation Friday, Mar 7, 2025 8:55 AM - 11:20 AM","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 2207 would extend North Dakota’s motor‑vehicle excise tax exemption to federally recognized tribal governments for vehicles procured and used for governmental purposes; the committee adopted clarifying language limiting the exemption to governmental functions and discussed fiscal impacts.","taxTitle","Transportation, House of Representatives, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28897,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6292460,"Committee widens penalties and adds protections for responders after crashes with emergency vehicles",5099,2077000,7176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2526311-803564f9b38cf4bb108585145e3ce8e1&start=2077&end=7176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2526311-803564f9b38cf4bb108585145e3ce8e1/thumbnail_2077000.jpg","/articles/6292460/North-Dakota/Committee-widens-penalties-and-adds-protections-for-responders-after-crashes-with-emergency-vehicles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292460-c843dcc656f22801ef7cdfee877eb8b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771081432&Signature=Ag~xnSYFErS2xsNpBHjeLVKlR8IidVrnGRs8C5z2BTiGAPCY2RUHJymz5NafJgEMuGpRW3yZcBBcP6y5o~rHWDpOzRgeI7k~Sl17uBA0N7MRMcSOHu0wXEFdG4yOHDgfQnZ9UFwYy3xkY6TIXsRg9NrrM-Xpg~QV7zujscVeI6H~AKBRBByyF6V8qAUOQxaA2cOi23EQIDai3b0twFhcuheVNlp1sO7f0r3xdMth3pCsroXV8MDdwSmMf-xcwU1Q268LjtTYY7BRvQEdD4r2RvgBSnLZBC~eY-rkQWvj8RzNB7nsYszKxRub3WBet16wbCDM~O7uy7er5xMAnEBG7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Transportation Committee amended Senate Bill 2132 to broaden the circumstances in which striking an authorized emergency vehicle is an enhanced infraction and then voted to advance the bill with the changes.

Senator Dean Romo of Dickinson, the bill sponsor, told the committee the intent is to provide clearer, stronger protections when emergency vehicles are stopped or personnel are on scene. “If you plowed into them and kill them, I would say it's gonna be an infraction,” Romo said, describing cases where responders working alongside an emergency vehicle have been struck.

Tom Iverson, chief of operations for the North Dakota Highway Patrol, provided data from the patrol showing 13 crashes involving department vehicles while personnel were acting in an official capacity between 2023 and 2024; 11 of those occurred during traffic stops or traffic control and most happened in inclement weather. “In all cases, overhead emergency lights were documented as being in use,” Iverson said, and noted nine patrol vehicles were totaled.

Committee debate ranged across several issues: whether the measure should only apply when emergency vehicles are stationary with lights or hazard signals active; whether a higher monetary threshold (for example, mirroring the reportable crash dollar threshold of roughly $4,000) should replace the bill’s $1,000 damage trigger; and how language should treat first responders who are acting “in the performance of official duties” versus volunteer or off‑duty responders.

After floor discussion and several suggested changes — including qualifying that the enhanced infraction applies when an authorized emergency vehicle or person is stationary on the side of the roadway and when overhead lights or hazard warning signals are active — the committee adopted the amendments and returned a do‑pass as amended recommendation. The clerk’s roll recorded the final committee vote in favor on the amended bill (yes recorded on the roll call), and the committee assigned a carrier for the bill.

Testimony from the Professional Firefighters of North Dakota and the Department of Transportation supported the bill and said public education would be an important complement to any penalty changes. Committee members also discussed criminal alternatives such as reckless driving or manslaughter in cases of death, with witnesses noting that more serious criminal charges would still be available in severe incidents.","The committee amended and advanced Senate Bill 2132 to create a stronger infraction for striking an authorized emergency vehicle in many on‑scene situations, added language tying protection to vehicles stationary with lights or hazard signals active, and raised the reportable damage threshold discussed in testimony.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6292464,"Committee narrows $2 million transit grant to fixed‑route paratransit, sends bill to Appropriations",1034,826000,1860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2526311-803564f9b38cf4bb108585145e3ce8e1&start=826&end=1860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2526311-803564f9b38cf4bb108585145e3ce8e1/thumbnail_826000.jpg","/articles/6292464/North-Dakota/Committee-narrows-2-million-transit-grant-to-fixedroute-paratransit-sends-bill-to-Appropriations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292464-c15884f27819c50dd188bc2c2f254014/orig.mp4?Expires=1771081432&Signature=Rg5yeBjnCWodybot1ytGZKxrji1kwwflQaosS6w5WS6fLT1f4vsWMNl42t7f4s-zUqHgnemq3cuLu6VsHFmWOqFgUhZlBTbRdeiYh7bRYXeA0JE-8yDf6L1pxHSWdNMHXOWJiiwu2Uf27V9sOwVK2vjE9lM98TzNC6ml0W89Rpo5pXD5DP8ERQbgY0I~iBCjCDth943d2P7x5jBLluTSLkl95w~2YH8xP5-tDLMpbJ0kPaoHCa09r~f82NpCWWdiCUpxEcX8UD-8y0JuRtu-Qm3IS~uPVVTsjzgy8Oux2i8hfLkEsCkifOGoDuERRb3P4~eWNhybOY-gnkN0pVZvOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Transportation Committee amended a $2 million transit appropriation (House Bill 2254) to prioritize funding for paratransit services associated with fixed‑route public transportation systems and gave the bill a do‑pass as amended recommendation to Appropriations.

Representative Ben Koppelman, speaking to the committee, said testimony from riders and an interim study showed limits in evening and non‑standard service times for people who rely on paratransit tied to fixed routes. “About limiting the $2,000,000 … to fixed route paratransit on fixed route public transportation,” Koppelman said, “the focus is on making sure the paratransit is addressed.” He argued that concentrating the appropriation would create a policy priority for paratransit when Appropriations later considers funding levels.

Koppelman moved a technical amendment that would direct the Department of Transportation to provide grants \"for associated paratransit services\" to fixed‑route city transportation providers; a second was entered and the amendment passed after debate. Representative Fralick and others debated whether directing funds rather than leaving discretion to local providers best matched legislative intent; Representative Christensen said he intended to leave discretion to local agencies and planned to vote against the amendment.

Representative Cottleman later moved the committee’s do‑pass as amended recommendation and re‑referral to Appropriations. The clerk recorded a roll call of 10 yes, 1 no and 3 absent; the motion carried and the bill was re‑referred to Appropriations with the fixed‑route paratransit focus added.

Committee members discussed whether the state should use formula funding for transit instead of targeted appropriations, and whether directing funds to urban fixed‑route providers would meaningfully expand paratransit schedules. Supporters said the change would prioritize riders with the greatest need while retaining local matching and operational decisions.

The bill and amendments reflect lawmakers’ effort to pair state support with systems that provide fixed‑route transit so paratransit services can be strengthened when local systems schedule and resource that work.","Lawmakers amended a $2 million transit appropriation to prioritize paratransit services tied to fixed‑route public transit. The amendment passed on a roll call and the committee returned a do‑pass as amended recommendation to refer the bill to Appropriations.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6292469,"Committee advances bill to align North Dakota short‑haul hours with federal rules",310,415000,725000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2526311-803564f9b38cf4bb108585145e3ce8e1&start=415&end=725","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2526311-803564f9b38cf4bb108585145e3ce8e1/thumbnail_415000.jpg","/articles/6292469/North-Dakota/Committee-advances-bill-to-align-North-Dakota-shorthaul-hours-with-federal-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292469-e5b33e85aa352712354c3431a91c8145/orig.mp4?Expires=1771081432&Signature=StVmxbVtzy4yRfYds1dOJVbMmvymTKf8d80pLRB0Uy944eLtdJKuSnbu~uLm52RDvD~xtIgvglTCERGkyb8SISCVOjerkODHXbxJokWfdD9bdoTm8KQ5~cmoWqWiNI71mzdNoxixNVMUn1XD7IDJf7OzomGJLp8xX4sZIFNr58vjPrQgeLdkPblTFHjSgQUyOH8RslIT6DryY17RTXQZg4wN9PI~idGOK0qAZxcwje-WARLPPGyXskOS6DaWVsoV~KJzo7pE4B9POpXRNZX2XjFCmSZo6DSnuI4ZYQLx7bFfPZBobbCkQrIOEkJMJ91mq0lAX-2QJC-KsXziMq5Yvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Transportation Committee voted to give Senate Bill 2075 a do‑pass recommendation after hearing that the change would align North Dakota with current federal short‑haul rules.

Luke Hendrickson, motor carrier operations commander for the North Dakota Highway Patrol, told the committee the state’s existing short‑haul exemption permits a 12‑hour duty day while the federal short‑haul exemption allows 14 hours. “This bill would align North Dakota’s [century] code with current federal guidelines 49 CFR 350.305,” Hendrickson said, and would “increase the allowed hours for an intrastate CMV driver in short‑haul operation from 12 hours to 14 hours in a shift without being required to complete a logbook.”

The change would mean drivers operating within a 150‑air‑mile short‑haul radius could use time cards rather than full logbooks and have up to 14 hours to complete their duty day, Hendrickson said. He added the extra two hours would “allow for 2 more additional hours of commerce within a work day to complete deliveries and other associated activities” and would bring North Dakota into alignment with Montana, Minnesota and South Dakota.

Scott Meske of the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association also spoke in support of the bill but did not submit written testimony. Committee members asked whether the 14‑hour window includes non‑driving activities; Hendrickson confirmed it does and noted limited exceptions (for example, vehicle breakdown or inclement weather) may require documentation.

Representative Mackey moved a do‑pass recommendation; Representative Fralick seconded. The clerk recorded the roll as 12 yes, 0 no, 2 absent. The committee named a carrier for the bill for the next steps in the process.

The bill would not change federal hours‑of‑service requirements for interstate drivers; rather, committee testimony said it would harmonize state law with the federal short‑haul exemption and simplify record keeping for intrastate operations. The committee did not take testimony in opposition during the hearing.

Further action: the bill will move forward from committee to the next stage of consideration with a committee recommendation of do pass.","The House Transportation Committee voted to give Senate Bill 2075 a do‑pass recommendation after testimony that the change would align North Dakota law with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) short‑haul rules and allow intrastate drivers a 14‑hour duty window without a logbook.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6292451,"Committee approves blackout license‑plate option with lower annual fee after debate",610,7650000,8260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2526311-803564f9b38cf4bb108585145e3ce8e1&start=7650&end=8260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2526311-803564f9b38cf4bb108585145e3ce8e1/thumbnail_7650000.jpg","/articles/6292451/North-Dakota/Committee-approves-blackout-licenseplate-option-with-lower-annual-fee-after-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6292451-1b899a609f6aeda32fa46ec9a17eb9cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771081432&Signature=g-g4saHvU0deXPuWRaWcDiZ0coJFleJQu83xAqlmK69qJQ~2xLgNXs1rwZJNLBnrS9ivGduXDx5A4xcnlgy1w001ftfQ~y3ZGKBx8jm98SJjhASLKjWhSl4nB5datzo-3zwDJFke3hyb58RKLdIEuiPdAWDK9xO4KyedfRJH0-jW3nBzo2XGPnecCm4KKJsl-OxcVTKjxAIjs0vEacXjkyIo85rrktBc9c3srOJzWZQ5-C5yWlbznFEGbHbs-8WqK2veZAoBM7~5LPTCOLI0HgfsxZChCZofeqhUyEjyFYhaamwQE~0narsbNu7uIOYlcxVuv89NAd7M56Zx2syCwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Transportation Committee voted to amend and advance legislation that would allow a black (\"blackout\") license plate option. Representatives debated whether specialty plates dilute the state’s standard plate and discussed appropriate fees to cover production costs.

Representative Ben Koppelman said plate foundations such as university or conservation plates already divert part of the annual fee to foundations; because a blackout plate lacks a foundation, he proposed lowering the recurring fee. \"My suggestion ... is we strike line 10 and change the words 25 to 10,\" Koppelman said, to set a $10 annual fee for the blackout plate rather than $25 and to remove an added one‑time administrative surcharge.

Committee discussion touched on motorcycle plates, the production cost differential for heavily printed plates, and public sentiment about preserving the state’s standard plate look. Representative Casper said she opposed the change because she preferred the current plate design and worried about the proliferation of plate styles.

The committee adopted the Koppelman amendment to remove the additional one‑time fee and reduce the recurring fee to $10. The committee then voted to give the bill a do‑pass as amended; the clerk recorded the roll call result as 11 yes and 3 no.

Sponsors and supporters said the fee structure covers incremental production costs and that many purchasers will also add vanity or specialty designations (which carry separate fees), while opponents said the state plate’s identity should be preserved.","The House Transportation Committee amended Senate Bill 2133 to reduce the proposed recurring fee for a black license plate and struck an initial one‑time surcharge; the committee gave the bill a do‑pass recommendation on a recorded vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Panel adopts clarifying language and debates tribal motor‑vehicle excise tax exemption

Committee widens penalties and adds protections for responders after crashes with emergency vehicles

Committee narrows $2 million transit grant to fixed‑route paratransit, sends bill to Appropriations

Committee advances bill to align North Dakota short‑haul hours with federal rules

Committee approves blackout license‑plate option with lower annual fee after debate