Property Tax Reform

I have prepared a bill draft to be introduced in the 2025 legislative session that addresses three areas of concern for tax payers and K-12 education in North Dakota.  The first purpose of the bill would propose the legislative assembly replace the current 60 mills on property tax that funds local education with state dollars.  This suggestion should lower property tax bills by approximately 40% in most districts.  It DOES NOT replace the optional 10 and 12 mills, nor does it replace any local bonded indebtedness passed by the voters.  This is not a buy down, it’s a buy out.  Part two of the bill caps all other local political subdivision spending at a 3% growth rate in dollars.  The third part, to be discussed in further detail, is to offer private schools the opportunity to opt into public funding at 80% of the “per pupil” payment from the state with the requirements being following all reporting and admission requirements that the public schools currently follow.  As of the time of this post, we have 10 months before the legislative session convenes and plenty of opportunity to present and discuss the concepts in this draft legislation.