HB 1337 Summary

• Amends North Dakota law to allow dissolved school districts to sell, exchange, or donate property to other political subdivisions for less than fair market value, subject to state board approval and provided sufficient assets remain to satisfy financial requirements.

• Establishes that legal title to real property of a dissolved district vests in the receiving political subdivision on the effective date of dissolution when property is sold, exchanged, or donated rather than attached to another school district.

• Requires a licensed attorney's certificate citing the legal description and stating property has been annexed, reorganized, or transferred to be recorded in the county recorder's office where the property is located.

• Authorizes county committees to initiate dissolution proceedings when a district is financially unable to educate students effectively, has not operated a school as required, or when a school board determines dissolution is in students' best interest.

• Mandates county committees conduct public hearings with at least 14 days' notice published in official newspapers and consider extensive evidence regarding property value, indebtedness, student enrollment, educational needs, and potential cost savings before ordering dissolution.