AN ACT to amend and reenact section 15-20.2-08 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the assessment of fees for area career and technology center expenses.
Summary
HB 1188 amends North Dakota law governing how area career and technology centers assess participating and nonparticipating school districts for center expenses. The bill clarifies that participating districts are charged a proportionate share through a center membership fee based on high school enrollment, while nonparticipating districts that receive services may be assessed fees based on their use of programs. It also preserves the rule that, where mobile units are used solely, assessments are based on program utilization and student allocation should track enrollment and accessibility as closely as possible.
The bill also tightens payment procedures for participating school districts. Districts must remit payment promptly after receiving notice, or within a time set by the center board, but no later than 60 days after the official receipt date. If payment is late, a civil penalty of 1 percent per month accrues on unpaid assessments. Overall, the measure updates and clarifies the funding mechanism for area career and technology centers and the consequences for delinquent payment.
Impact
HB 1188 amends section 15-20.2-08 of the North Dakota Century Code, affecting the statutory framework for financing area career and technology centers. It changes how fees are assessed to participating and nonparticipating school districts, reinforces proportional allocation of students and costs, and establishes a specific late-payment penalty. The bill directly affects center boards, school districts that participate in or receive services from these centers, and the administration of career and technical education programs.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad bipartisan support and little visible controversy. It passed the House 88-0 and the Senate 45-0, indicating unanimous approval in both chambers. The lack of committee transcript discussion also suggests the measure was viewed as a technical or administrative clarification rather than a contentious policy change.
Contention
There is no recorded committee debate or opposition in the available materials, and the roll-call votes were unanimous. Any potential point of concern would likely have been the financial impact on school districts, especially the new or clarified fee structure and the 1 percent monthly civil penalty for late payment. However, the voting record shows no organized resistance from either chamber.