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Sunday, February 03, 2013

TOM FRIER: ND LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FEBRUARY 1, 2013

2013 North Dakota Legislative Update
 

Heartbeat, Church property tax, Sunday opening/closing, School Choice funding, and Abortion doctor requirements. 

 

This past week we had very good hearings on a number of bills including five pro-life initiatives. Some of the life bills will continue to see some changes.  On Monday we will share greater detail.

Remember to view bill status and bill text, click here.

Below see information on a number of bills we believe may be of interest 

 

HB 1456 - The Heartbeat Bill 

 

The Heartbeat Bill had a good hearing on Wednesday. 

The bill simply prohibits an abortion when the heartbeat of the unborn can be detected.   To read our testimony, please click here. How could anyone support taking the life of a human being, knowing that their heart is beating, the most audible and recognizable sign of life, whether born or unborn?    

Please contact your District House Legislators, advocating support for HB 1456.  To find your legislator, click here  

 

 

HB 1466 - School Choice... Funding

 

HB 1466 would provide funding to enhance school choice.  The bill would enable a transfer of public school funding to a non-public school at a rate of 25% of the cost of educating the student in the public school.  The public school would retain 75% of the funding, and be reimbursed by the state general fund for the remaining 25%, thereby holding the public school harmless.


In certain locations where public schools are overcrowded, the effect could prevent the need to build an additional school.  Once again access full bill status and text, by clicking here   HB 1466 would provide funding to enhance school choice.  The bill would enable a transfer of public school funding to a non-public school at a rate of 25% of the cost of educating the student in the public school.  The public school would retain 75% of the funding, and be reimbursed by the state general fund for the remaining 25%, thereby holding the public school harmless.

In certain locations where public schools are overcrowded, the effect could prevent the need to build an additional school.  Once again access full bill status and text, by clicking here   

 

 

HB 1300 - Church Property Tax

 

HB 1300 would restore the way church property is taxed to be in line with ND Constitutional intent.  The bill would exempt church property used for religious purposes from property tax.  Property not used for religious purposes, including property used to profit, would be taxed.  Churches already pay special assessments for infrastructure improvements.

Please contact your District House Legislators asking support for HB 1300.

 

 

SB 2305 - Abortion Doctor's requirements needed to provide ongoing care

 

SB 2305 would require licensed physicians performing abortions in North Dakota to have staffing and admitting privileges at a local North Dakota hospital.  In the event of a medical complication after an abortion, the doctor who performed the abortion would be able to admit the patient and offer continued care.  

For the safety and well being of those women utilizing the services of a doctor performing abortions, this bill will provide the care they need.

Contact your District Senator to support SB 2305.  To view bill status and text, click here

 

 

HB 1437 - Sunday Opening/Closing Changes??

 

HB 1437 would affect the current laws restricting certain businesses from opening before 12 noon on Sundays.  If the bill were to pass, local political subdivisions could remove the restrictions, allowing stores to open anytime on Sunday.

We believe current law does provide an opportunity for some families, certainly not all, to spend family time together, and in some cases attend a worship service.

To see our testimony, click here.

To view bill status and text, click here

Another bill, HB 1366 moves the time for alcohol sales from 12 noon back to 10 am.  NDFA opposes both HB 1437 and HB 1366.

Coming up.....

 

SB 2252, relating to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, will have a hearing next Wednesday, February 6th.

HB 1423, a marriage preservation bill, providing for a waiting period when a couple filing for divorce has minor children--will have a hearing on Monday, February 11th

 

Questions or comments contact us at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

Tom D Freier  

North Dakota Family Alliance Action 

 

 

 

Click here to email your elected representatives.

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