A recent summit between state and tribal leaders in North Dakota has highlighted a bill seeking to restore a motor vehicle excise tax exemption for tribal citizens. The bill aims to reverse a law change from 2023 that eliminated this tax exemption for tribal members living outside the boundaries of a reservation. Tribal leaders argue that this change has placed an unfair financial burden on their citizens, especially those who live off of reservations for reasons such as jobs, housing, or education.
House Bill 1521, currently under consideration, would restore the tax exemption for all tribal members, regardless of where they reside in North Dakota. However, the House Transportation Committee has unanimously recommended a “do not pass” for the bill, citing concerns about protecting taxes that support roads and fairness for all North Dakotans. Additionally, a separate bill requiring a new process of tribal consultation during legislative sessions is also being considered.
Tribal leaders have expressed frustration over the lack of meaningful consultation in the 2023 law change and assert that tribal citizens already pay federal and tribal taxes. They argue that the tax exemption for tribal citizens is essential to maintaining a strong government-to-government relationship. The bill is expected to go to the House floor for further debate this week.
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