The North Dakota legislative session has concluded with Governor Kelly Armstrong signing a historic tax relief bill. North Dakota lawmakers approved a significant property tax relief package on Friday just before the legislative session concluded. House Bill 1176, sponsored by Rep. Mike Nathe (R-Bismarck) and backed by Governor Kelly Armstrong, creates a $1,600 primary residence credit—more than triple the current homeowner benefit. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and 86-4 in the House, utilizing Legacy Fund earnings to provide approximately $473 million in tax relief for 2025-27. The legislation also implements a 3% cap on annual property tax increases by local governments, though districts can vote for exemptions. Despite this achievement, Rep. Scott Louser (R-Minot) plans to pursue a 2026 ballot initiative for more comprehensive tax relief. Notably, lawmakers rejected a proposed gas tax increase that would have been the state’s first in 20 years.
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