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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Relating to the oil extraction tax rate reduction for oil produced from a new well drilled and completed outside the Bakken and Three Forks formations; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an effective date.
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.
HB 1428 creates a sales tax exemption in North Dakota for sales of clothing. This exemption specifically applies to clothing sold by thrift stores operated by nonprofit corporations. The bill enacts a new subsection to section 57-39.2-04 of the North Dakota Century Code to implement this change, and it also includes an effective date for the new provision.
Relating to the creation of a rural community endowment fund and a rural community endowment fund committee; to provide an appropriation for the rural community endowment fund; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for a report.
HB 1534 would limit annual increases in property tax valuations to 3% without voter approval, applying to all taxable properties in North Dakota regardless of ownership changes. Property owners would see their taxes capped at this 3% annual increase unless new improvements (like renovations) are made, which could temporarily exceed the limit. To raise valuations above 3%, local voters would need to approve a ballot measure at a general election, with such approvals limited to four-year periods. The bill explicitly prevents cities or counties from overriding this cap through local home rule authority. It would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.
