LEGISLATIVE BULLETIN – March 18, 2005

HB 1370, the fuel surcharges bill, remains in the Senate Transportation Committee.  It was discussed there yesterday.   Grain Dealers also met with the Attorney General regarding it.

HB 1008, is the PSC budget with the $1.2 million in it for funding a rail rate complaint.  The bill is currently in the hands of a Senate Appropriations subcommittee consisting of Senators Schobinger of Minot, Christmann of Hazen and Mathern of Fargo.  Contacts with these gentlemen and the entire Senate Appropriations Committee are in order. 

HB 1518, is the Wheat Commission checkoff bill.  It has been amended in Senate Ag and given a 5-1 Do Pass recommendation.  It is now in the hands of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  Details are as follows:  Checkoff increases from 10 mills (one cent per bushel) to 15 mills July 1.  Three of the five-mill increase is designated for paying off remaining legal costs of the Canadian trade case.  This part of the increase expires on June 30, 2009.  The other two mills shall go to two grower groups (ND Grain Growers and U.S. Durum Growers, although not specifically named in the law).  This is around $550,000 per year.  This part is NOT set to expire.  Grower group national association dues must be paid from that two mills received.  In the recent past this $100,000 or thereabouts annual dues to the National Association of Wheat Growers was paid from checkoff dollars voluntarily given by the Wheat Commission to the grower groups. 

SB 2405, is our FELA bill.  Two weeks ago the BNSF unexpectedly withdrew its opposition to this bill.  BNSF said it now realizes that the FELA liability endorsements are not available from the writers of commercial general liability insurance for country grain elevators.  This problem was talked about back in the 2003 legislative session and at legislative hearings in the interim since then.  The Governor has already signed the bill. 

HB 1142, specifies payment order from the credit sale indemnity fund and has been signed by the Governor.  HB 1167 is the PSC bill on sale tickets, storage contracts and more.  It has been signed by the Governor.  HB 1346, requirements for display and monitoring of meth precursor drugs for retail sale, has now passed both chambers.  HB 1364 requiring that instructors speak understandable English has been amended and passed both chambers.  SB 2136 regarding roving grain buyer licenses has been signed by the Governor. 

The 2003 legislative session adjourned on April 25, the 76^th legislative day.  The North Dakota Constitution limits the legislature to meeting no more than 80 natural days during a biennium, and that deadline is Friday April 29.