North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1597

Caption

AN ACT to provide an exemption; and to provide for the distribution of state financial assistance to eligible ambulance service operations.

Summary

House Bill No. 1597 establishes a framework for the distribution of state financial assistance to eligible ambulance service operations in North Dakota for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The bill outlines the calculation for determining the minimum reasonable budget for each ambulance service based on their average number of runs and the cost per run. It sets a minimum budget threshold and details the grant amount calculation, which includes deductions based on reimbursement rates and property tax valuations. The bill also specifies eligibility criteria for operations seeking funding, including a cap on the number of runs per year and conditions regarding newly acquired response areas.

Impact

The passage of HB1597 will impact state laws by providing a structured financial assistance program specifically for ambulance service operations, which may enhance the sustainability of emergency medical services in North Dakota. It modifies existing provisions related to state financial assistance for emergency medical services and introduces new calculations and eligibility requirements that could affect how funds are allocated to these services. This could lead to improved financial stability for eligible ambulance services, potentially enhancing their operational capabilities and service delivery.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB1597 appears to be positive, as evidenced by the overwhelming support it received during voting, with 83 votes in favor in the House and 44 in the Senate, indicating a strong bipartisan agreement on the importance of supporting ambulance services. The lack of significant opposition during discussions suggests that stakeholders recognize the need for financial assistance in this sector.

Contention

While there seems to be broad support for the bill, potential points of contention could arise regarding the eligibility criteria, particularly the cap on the number of runs an operation can perform to qualify for funding. Some ambulance services may feel that the limit of 800 runs per year could exclude them from receiving necessary financial support, especially in high-demand areas. Additionally, the method of calculating property tax valuations and its impact on funding could lead to discussions among county auditors and ambulance service operators.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1597

AN ACT to provide an exemption; and to provide for the distribution of state financial assistance to eligible ambulance service operations.

ND SB2012

Legacy fund definitions, a legacy earnings fund, the legacy earnings highway distribution fund, and legacy earnings township highway aid fund; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for application; to provide an effective date; and to provide an exemption.

ND SB2323

Oil and gas gross production tax allocations and the state share of oil and gas tax allocations; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an exemption; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1168

Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study, to provide an appropriation; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1382

The electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle road use fee, the tax imposed on motor vehicle and special fuels, and the highway tax distribution fund; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2397

The temporary exemption for oil and gas wells employing a system to avoid flaring, an exemption from gross production tax for gas produced from certain enhanced oil recovery projects, and the definition of development incentive well; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2033

The distressed ambulance service program; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide a continuing appropriation.

ND HB1012

Leases of department of health and human services property, substance use disorder treatment program, basic care payment rates, state of residence for child care assistance, opioid settlement advisory committee, and children's cabinet; to provide for a transfer; to authorize a line of credit; to provide legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an application; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1176

Legacy fund definitions and the legacy earnings fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1369

The determination of state aid, boarding care costs, the coal development trust fund, the school construction assistance revolving loan fund, public improvement construction, bonds from contractors for public improvements, and school district levies; and to provide an effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.