Relating to the gaming commission, gaming stamp requirements, and the attorney general's regulation of gaming; to provide a penalty; and to provide an appropriation.
SB 2327 amends North Dakota law concerning the agriculture diversification and development fund and its overseeing committee. The bill outlines and modifies how this fund can be utilized to support agricultural initiatives and projects within the state. It also includes an appropriation, allocating specific funds, and provides for the transfer of money related to this agricultural development effort. This legislation directly impacts the North Dakota agriculture sector and the administration of resources aimed at diversifying and developing the state's agricultural economy.
HB 1591 appropriates $3 million from North Dakota's general fund to the agriculture commissioner for a one-time grant program supporting county fair infrastructure. It provides grants to county agriculture fair associations for planning, designing, and constructing infrastructure projects (like facilities or utilities) during the 2025-2027 biennium, with a maximum of $100,000 per association. The bill directly affects local fair associations by funding physical improvements to their facilities, not by changing regulations or affecting broader public policy. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, and it expires after the 2025-2027 period.
HB 1468 appropriates $16 million from North Dakota's general fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for grants supporting behavioral health facilities. It requires grantees to increase inpatient behavioral health beds by 30 in the west central region and operate facilities for at least 10 years, with repayment required if they fail to meet this term. Grant funds are disbursed only after infrastructure is complete and staffing plans are approved. The bill directly affects entities building or expanding behavioral health facilities in the specified region.
HB 1197 creates a $50 million jail improvement fund (funded by a transfer from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund) to provide grants for county jail upgrades, remodeling, or replacements. The bill establishes a committee with legislative members, county representatives, and corrections stakeholders to review applications and approve grants. Counties receiving grants must contribute at least 25% of project costs, and at least 25% of annual funds must support projects in counties with populations under 15,000. The law, signed by the governor in April 2025, directly affects North Dakota counties and correctional facilities by enabling targeted infrastructure investments.
HB 1603 appropriates $500,000 from North Dakota's general fund to the state historical society for compliance with the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The funds establish a committee with tribal historic preservation officers, state agencies, and the attorney general's office to prioritize returning human remains, sacred objects, and culturally significant items to North Dakota tribes. Tribes must contribute up to $100,000 in matching funds for committee efforts, and all funds must be tracked separately. The bill explicitly prohibits using these funds for new scientific studies of ancestral remains. This law directly affects North Dakota tribes and the state historical society by enabling repatriation efforts under federal law.
SB 2305 modifies North Dakota law related to the family paid caregiver service pilot project, which allows family members to be compensated for providing care. The bill also adjusts provisions concerning the cross-disability advisory council. Additionally, it provides an appropriation, allocating funds for these services and the council's operations.
SB 2016 appropriates $6.7 million from North Dakota's general fund for Job Service North Dakota to cover salaries, operations, and other expenses during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill also includes $76 million in total funding (from general, federal, and other sources) to support job services, including $10.9 million specifically for modernizing the state's unemployment insurance computer system. This funding directly affects Job Service North Dakota's operations, enabling it to maintain staff, cover daily costs, and upgrade its unemployment claims processing technology. The bill does not create new policies but provides financial resources for existing services and infrastructure.
SB 2017 allocates $3,029,082 in state funds to cover salaries, operating expenses, and 5 full-time positions for North Dakota's Office of Administrative Hearings during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill provides specific funding levels for the office's operations without changing existing laws or regulations. It directly affects the Office of Administrative Hearings by ensuring its budget for the next two years. This is a routine funding measure, not a policy change.
SB 2143 amends North Dakota law concerning the funding of the state energy research center fund. This bill establishes a continuing appropriation, ensuring that revenue will be automatically deposited into the fund without needing annual legislative approval. The measure aims to provide a consistent financial basis for the state's energy research efforts. However, this continuing appropriation is set to expire on a specific date.
