Legislative preview for the week of March 17

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - A lot of the focus this coming week will be on financial bills. The Appropriations Committees will also have their hands full with budget work.

A hearing on House Bill 1176 covering property taxes was abruptly cancelled last week, so another attempt will take place Monday. This one is supported by Governor Kelly Armstrong and several top lawmakers.

On Tuesday, the House will take up Senate Bill 2400, which looks to create education savings accounts. If passed, students could use that funding for educational expenses, tuition or even school lunches.

On Thursday, the Senate will look at House Bill 1498, giving school boards the power to offer first-year signing bonuses to new teachers. The bonus also applies to teachers moving to North Dakota.

Finally on Friday, the Senate will discuss House Bill 1193, providing $3.5 million for hiring new police and correctional officers. The bill would also allow departments to use the money for retention bonuses.

We’ll also be keeping an eye on all the action on the floor. The Senate could vote on a bill defunding Prairie Public. It received a unanimous do-not-pass recommendation from the committee.