AN ACT to amend and reenact section 11-28.3-06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to rural ambulance board compensation.
Senate Bill No. 2358 amends section 11-28.3-06 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the organization and compensation of rural ambulance boards. The bill allows for the election of a board of directors consisting of five to ten residents of the district, who will serve two-year terms. It also stipulates that the secretary-treasurer may receive a salary determined by the board, while all other directors serve without pay. Additionally, the bill ensures that representation on the board is equitable among townships within the district.
The passage of SB2358 will modify the existing framework governing rural ambulance boards in North Dakota, particularly regarding the compensation of board members and the structure of board elections. By allowing for compensation for the secretary-treasurer and establishing rules for board representation, the bill aims to enhance the governance of ambulance services in rural areas, potentially improving service delivery and accountability.
The sentiment surrounding SB2358 appears to be generally positive, as evidenced by the unanimous support in the Senate (45-0) and a significant majority in the House (74-17). This suggests that legislators recognize the importance of effective governance in rural ambulance services and are supportive of measures that enhance operational efficiency.
While there were no recorded votes against the bill, some points of contention may arise regarding the compensation structure for board members, particularly concerning the potential for conflicts of interest if too many members are affiliated with the licensed ambulance service. However, the bill's provisions aim to mitigate this by limiting the number of such members on the board.