SB 2332 creates a new $25 million annual fund from state legacy earnings to support emergency services and public safety across North Dakota. The bill establishes an advisory board with representatives from fire, police, EMS, local governments, and tribal entities to award grants for specific priorities like recruiting personnel, modernizing response systems, expanding mental health crisis teams, and improving communications technology. These grants will directly assist local emergency services providers, rural fire districts, tribal governments, and communities seeking to enhance public safety coverage. The fund is funded through a dedicated annual transfer from the legacy earnings fund, with the Department of Emergency Services administering the grant program.
Relating to a pilot program to provide grants to schools that provide instruction in a foreign language to students in kindergarten through grade three; and to provide an appropriation.
Relating to motor vehicle fuel tax, special fuels tax, and aviation fuel tax refunds for fuels purchased by fire departments; and to provide an effective date.
Relating to a tax on cigars, other tobacco products, alternative tobacco products, electronic smoking devices, and electronic smoking device substances and a tobacco tax distribution fund; to amend and reenact section 57‑36‑01, subsection 1 of section 57‑36‑31, and section 57‑36‑32 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of alternative tobacco products, transfer and allocation of tobacco products tax revenue and tax on cigarettes; to provide a penalty; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide an effective date.
HB 1038 appropriates $15 million to replace state-owned uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) that don’t meet federal security requirements under the National Defense Authorization Act and American Security Drone Act of 2023. It requires state agencies to return outdated UAVs to the uncrewed aircraft systems test site for disposal or sale, while providing new compliant UAVs, staff training, and a centralized registration system for agencies. The bill also allocates $11 million for a state radar data pathfinder program to integrate federal radar data with state UAV operations, enhance security protocols, and improve safety and infrastructure. Both programs require reports by June 2026 detailing implementation, costs, and compliance needs. The bill directly affects state agencies using UAVs and aims to ensure federal regulatory compliance.
HB 1107 would have created a new state income tax deduction in North Dakota for individuals who received Segal AmeriCorps education awards. The bill aimed to allow taxpayers to reduce their state taxable income by the amount of their Segal AmeriCorps education award. This provision would have directly affected North Dakota residents who earned these specific education awards through the Segal AmeriCorps program. The bill failed to pass in the North Dakota House of Representatives on March 7, 2025, with 22 votes in favor and 25 against.
HB 1604 creates a new state program to fund K-12 school construction in North Dakota, directly affecting school districts seeking state assistance for new buildings. To qualify, districts must meet specific criteria, including demonstrating renovation costs exceed 60% of new construction costs, having a failed referendum for construction/renovation within a set timeframe, and securing their share of funding. The bill establishes tiered state funding rates (from 5% to 95% of costs) based on a district’s property tax valuation ("mill value"), with a $600 million appropriation allocated for the 2025-2027 biennium. It also requires districts to use state-appointed architectural firms meeting strict in-state criteria and mandates plans for long-term building maintenance. The program expires on July 1, 2035.
HB 1129 appropriates $1.25 million for a study on student attendance and absenteeism in North Dakota public schools (K-12) during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill requires the superintendent of public instruction, with input from a research team, to analyze existing data, identify strategies used in high-attendance districts, and develop recommendations to address chronic absenteeism. It mandates a legislative report with findings and proposed legislation by September 1, 2026. The bill failed to pass on February 25, 2025, with 2 votes in favor and 88 against.
Relating to the creation of the division of apprenticeship within the department of labor and human rights; to provide an appropriation; and to provide a report.
HB 1536 allocates $1.5 million to North Dakota's Department of Public Instruction to develop and implement a K-12 Native American history curriculum across all public schools. The funding is divided: $600,000 for curriculum development with tribal collaboration, $300,000 for teacher training, $500,000 for educational materials, and $100,000 for oversight. It requires a tribal advisory committee and mandates equitable resource distribution, especially for rural and underfunded schools. The bill also requires a 2026 progress report to the legislature on implementation and effectiveness.