HB 1597 provides state financial assistance to eligible public ambulance services in North Dakota during 2025-2027. It calculates funding based on an ambulance service’s average annual runs (multiplied by $2,023 per run, with a $125,000 minimum) minus reimbursements ($795 per run) and property taxes (5 mills on response area valuation), capping total aid at $225,000 per service. Eligible services include city/county-operated ambulances or rural district services, excluding those within 15 miles of another operation with fewer than 50 annual runs. The bill ensures funding is distributed based on these formulas, with prorated payments if state appropriations are insufficient. It directly affects public ambulance providers by adjusting their state financial support.
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 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.
SB 2234 appropriates $2 million from North Dakota's general fund for competitive grants to school districts to help high school students meet the state's "choice ready" framework. The bill requires school districts to apply with specific plans showing how grant funds will develop students' skills for postsecondary education, careers, or military service - directly affecting school districts and their high school students. Funds cannot cover general supplies or equipment but must support targeted experiences like career training or college preparation. The grants are intended for the 2025-2027 biennium and align with the state's goal of ensuring all students graduate prepared for life after high school.
House Bill 1011 provides an appropriation to cover the operational expenses of the North Dakota securities department. The bill also amends an existing section of the North Dakota Century Code (subsection 8 of section 10-04-10) to revise the fees charged by the securities department. These changes directly affect the funding for the department and the fee structure for individuals or entities regulated by it.
This bill would allow North Dakota disabled veterans with a 50% or higher service-connected disability rating (or surviving spouses receiving VA dependency compensation) to claim a property tax credit equal to their disability percentage, capped at $8,100 of their primary home's taxable value. The credit applies to the homestead property owned and occupied by the veteran or surviving spouse, with specific rules for co-ownership (e.g., prorated for shared property) and requiring VA certification. It would take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, and does not affect special assessments or existing tax obligations.
Relating to the powers and duties of the emergency commission and budget section; to repeal sections 54‑16‑04.2, 54‑16‑08, and 54‑16‑11.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the powers and duties of the emergency commission; and to provide an appropriation.
This concurrent resolution encourages North Dakota's State Treasurer and State Investment Board to consider allocating portions of three specific state funds - the general fund, budget stabilization fund, and legacy fund - toward investments in digital assets (like cryptocurrencies) and precious metals. It cites inflation concerns and the need for investment diversification to protect the state's financial resources. The resolution is non-binding and serves only as a recommendation to the Treasurer and Board, not a mandate requiring specific investment actions. It does not alter existing investment rules or create new state obligations.
