The bill amends sections 15.1-12-02 and 15.1-12-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, which govern the annexation of property to school districts. Key changes include the requirement that the difference in taxable valuation of the properties involved in an exchange must be agreed upon by both affected school districts, replacing the previous stipulation that it may not exceed one thousand dollars. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for the county superintendent to provide notice by certified mail to each owner of real property to be annexed at least twenty-one days before the public hearing, rather than the previous fourteen-day notice period.

Furthermore, the bill expands the factors to be considered during the public hearing on annexation to include the potential modification to the property tax obligations of the owners of the property to be annexed, as well as their concerns. This aims to ensure that the voices of property owners are taken into account during the annexation process. The bill is declared an emergency measure, indicating its immediate necessity for implementation.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15.1-12-05
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Beard: 15.1-12-05
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 15.1-12-05
Adopted by the House Education Committee: 15.1-12-02, 15.1-12-05
Enrollment: 15.1-12-02, 15.1-12-05