SB 2159 North Dakota Senate · 69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

AN ACT to amend and reenact section 15-11-40 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to projects the state energy research center is permitted to pursue.

SB 2159 is a North Dakota bill that amends section 15-11-40 of the Century Code, focusing on the State Energy Research Center. The bill modifies the types of projects this state center is permitted to pursue. While the specific changes to the project scope are not detailed in this abstract, the legislation directly affects the center's operational mandate by updating the range of research and development activities it can undertake.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

House Passage

Apr 2025

Signed into Law

Apr 2025

Introduced Jan 10, 2025 Signed Apr 23, 2025

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What changed between versions

INTRODUCED → Enrollment · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends the North Dakota Century Code to formally establish the State Energy Research Center at the University of North Dakota and clarifies its purpose, reporting requirements, and operational authority. The amendment adds specific language defining the center's mission to conduct exploratory, transformational, and innovative energy research while adding a new restriction prohibiting research on high-level radioactive waste above ground in the state.

Scope change

The bill expands the formal scope of the State Energy Research Center by codifying its creation and adding a specific prohibition on high-level radioactive waste research.

SCOPE

Formally created and defined the State Energy Research Center at the University of North Dakota with a specific mission to conduct energy research that benefits the state's economy and environment.

REQUIREMENT

Added annual reporting requirements to the interim legislative energy development and transmission committee, the industrial commission, and appropriations committees upon request.

Added authority for the center to select research topics, enter contracts with other institutions and organizations, and accept donations and grants.

Modified the prohibition on high-level radioactive waste research to require approval from the industrial commission and consultation with the high-level radioactive waste advisory council before any such research can occur.

Floor votes · Senate Jan 20, 2025 · House Apr 9, 2025

How they voted

45–2

Passed

Total votes 47

Jan 20, 2025

D Democratic5

4 Yea 1 Nay

80% Yea

R Republican42

41 Yea 1 Nay

97% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 24, 2025

Introduced

Filed with Secretary Of State 04/22

legislature

Apr 23, 2025

Signed into law

Signed by Governor 04/21

upper

Apr 15, 2025

Upper · Passed

Second reading, passed, yeas 43 nays 3

upper

Apr 15, 2025

Upper · Passed

Concurred

upper

Apr 9, 2025

Lower · Passed

Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 57 nays 32

lower

Apr 7, 2025

Lower · Passed

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

lower

Apr 4, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 13 0 0

lower

Apr 2, 2025

Committee

Rereferred to Energy and Natural Resources

lower

Mar 31, 2025

Lower · Passed

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

lower

Mar 28, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 13 0 0

lower

Mar 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

Committee Hearing 09:00

lower

Feb 13, 2025

Introduced

Introduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources Committee

lower

Jan 20, 2025

Upper · Passed

Second reading, passed, yeas 45 nays 2

upper

Jan 17, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 6 0 1

upper

Jan 17, 2025

Upper · Passed

Committee Hearing 10:15

upper

Jan 10, 2025

Introduced

Introduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources Committee

upper

1 primary · 5 co-sponsors