BISMARCK – The North Dakota State Senate passed a bill that would give more time to parents in registering in their school district for homeschooling their child.
Senate Bill 2167 changes the filing date from 14 days to five days before the beginning of home education.
“There are a variety of reasons for homeschooling, including bullying in school, allegations of mental and physical abuse, and special needs children among others,” said the bill carrier, Senator Todd Beard, R-Dis. 23, Williston. “By lowering the requirement, the parent will be able to begin instruction and get assistance for a special needs child sooner.”
The bill passed 47-0.
The Senate also passed SB 2126, which allows squares for a raffle board to be sold on a site 30 days before the drawing. Current law allows tickets to be sold only on the day of the drawing.
“A common practice in many of our small towns and communities across our state is to hold a raffle board as a way of raising some funds that go towards a charitable cause,” said the bill carrier Senator Mark Weber, R-Dis. 22, Casselton. “We all know that only selling a ticket on the day of the drawing may limit participation and reduce the dollars that can be raised.”
The bill passed 44-3.
The Senate also passed SB 2147, which according to its carrier would essentially eliminate the income tax on the retirement benefits of law enforcement officers. Similar legislation has been passed for retired National Guard members.
Senator Merrill Piepkorn, D-Dis. 44, Fargo, said a member in the Senate Finance and Taxation committee had family members who moved to South Dakota because it does not have that tax.
“You can imagine with the growing difference in conflict in society, recruiting for law enforcement isn’t always easy,” said Piepkorn.
Piepkorn said there was discussion in committee about other entities possibly asking for the similar tax breaks, saying it is a discussion for another time.
The bill passed 47-0.
