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Bill

HCR 3035

A concurrent resolution to amend and reenact section 2 of article IX of the Constitution of North Dakota, relating to distributions from the common schools trust fund.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Liz Conmy and 5 co-sponsors

Failed constitutional amendment would have restructured North Dakota's Common Schools Trust Fund distributions to schools, defeated 15-77 in second reading.

Second reading, failed to adopt yeas 15 nays 77
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Bill Summary · HCR 3035

Legislative bill overview

HCR 3035 proposes to amend North Dakota's Constitution to change how money from the Common Schools Trust Fund is distributed to public schools. The bill would modify Article IX, Section 2 of the state constitution, which currently governs these distributions—a mechanism that has historically funded North Dakota's K-12 education system.

Why is this important

The Common Schools Trust Fund is a constitutional endowment established to provide stable, long-term funding for public education. Changes to how these funds are distributed directly affect school budgets, educational programming, and property tax implications across the state. Constitutional amendments are significant because they establish permanent policy that's difficult to reverse and reflect fundamental choices about public priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact on schools: The specific distribution changes could either increase or decrease funding to districts, depending on the amendment's language, creating winners and losers among school systems
  • Constitutional permanence: Enshrining funding distribution in the constitution limits legislative flexibility to respond to changing educational or economic conditions
  • Trust sustainability: Modifying endowment distribution formulas raises questions about whether current or future generations bear costs, and whether changes preserve the fund's long-term health
  • Property tax effects: Changes to state education funding typically shift financial responsibility between state and local property taxpayers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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