Relating to an education savings account program for students who are not enrolled in public school or a homeschool program; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an effective date.
HB 1234 requires the state treasurer to deposit specific state-imposed sales tax collections (from sellers registered under the streamlined sales tax system) directly into the public employees retirement system's main plan. This transfer affects the retirement fund's funding, using revenue that would otherwise go to the general fund. The bill includes an expiration clause, ending when the retirement system's funded ratio reaches 90% or higher. It amends North Dakota law to redirect these sales tax revenues to the retirement system, effective until the system meets the 90% funding threshold.
Relating to the creation of the city, county, and township road fund; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 39‑04‑19.2, section 54‑27‑19, subsection 1 of section 57‑43.1‑02, and subsection 1 of section 57‑43.2‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle road use fee, the tax imposed on motor vehicle and special fuels, and the highway tax distribution fund; and to provide an effective date.
HB 1004 provides an appropriation of funds to cover the operational expenses of the State Auditor's office. Additionally, it amends section 54-10-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, which specifically relates to and sets the salary for the State Auditor. These provisions directly affect the funding for the State Auditor's office and the compensation of the individual holding the State Auditor position.
SB 2340 requires North Dakota's legislature to conduct a study during the 2025-26 interim on evolving fire service needs. The study will examine regional response teams, coordination of state resources, staffing, training, and funding alternatives to reduce reliance on local property taxes. It mandates consultation with fire departments, the fire marshal, and other stakeholders to identify policy changes needed for a unified fire service system. This procedural bill does not enact new law but aims to inform future legislative action.
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 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 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 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.