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 1531 appropriates $75,000 from North Dakota's general fund to the Agriculture Commissioner for a study on expanding irrigation infrastructure. The study will examine economic benefits of increased irrigation in rural communities, impacts of past water projects under the Pick-Sloan Act, and differences in economic value between irrigated vs. non-irrigated land. It requires a consultant to analyze these factors and submit findings with policy recommendations to legislative leaders by July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects agricultural producers and rural communities by assessing how irrigation expansion could impact local economies.
SB 2226 amends existing North Dakota law related to the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents. This commission is responsible for ensuring legal representation for individuals who cannot afford an attorney. The bill provides an appropriation, meaning it allocates funds to support the commission's operations and services. It also establishes an effective date for these changes to take effect.
HB 1017 provides $104.7 million in state and federal funds to North Dakota's Game and Fish Department for the 2025-2027 biennium, covering salaries, habitat programs, deer depredation control, and operational costs. It includes specific allocations like $27.2 million for land habitat and $2.5 million for aquatic nuisance species management. The bill also allows the department to transfer up to $2 million between budget lines during the biennium and sets rules for conservation agreements with landowners. This is a funding bill, not a policy change, and directly affects only the Game and Fish Department's budget operations.
HB 1008 provides an appropriation to fund the operational expenses of the Public Service Commission (PSC). The bill also amends existing laws to adjust the salaries of public service commissioners. Additionally, it modifies provisions related to the deposit of special fuels excise taxes and includes authorization for state loans.
HB 1581 allocates $500,000 from North Dakota's general fund to the Department of Commerce for tribal tourism grants during the 2025-2027 biennium. It directly affects tribal governments within North Dakota, allowing them to apply for grants of up to $100,000 each to promote and enhance tourism opportunities on tribal lands. The bill provides a funding mechanism through existing state resources, not new programs, to support tribal economic development. This appropriation requires the Department of Commerce to administer the grants and submit a legislative management report on their use.
Relating to membership of the information technology committee and the information technology operating fund; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.
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 2228 allocates $1 million to North Dakota's department of commerce for grants to help rural grocery stores stay open and expand food access. The program prioritizes funding for existing stores over new store feasibility studies and runs for the 2025-2027 biennium. Grants can cover operational costs to sustain current stores or support new store planning. This is a one-time funding measure with no ongoing budget impact.
SB 2022 provides an appropriation to cover the operating expenses of the commission responsible for providing legal counsel to indigent individuals. The bill also amends state law by adding a new subsection to define categories of positions within the state service. Finally, it mandates that the legislative management conduct a study.
