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 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 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.
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 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.
