Relating to duties of the human trafficking commission and immunity for reporting human trafficking; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide a contingent effective date.
HB 1329 requires North Dakota's state treasurer to create and maintain a free, online government spending database accessible to the public. It mandates school districts, local governments, and other state entities to submit detailed expenditure data - including payment amounts, dates, recipients, and for schools, textbook details - updated monthly. The database must include search tools, downloadable formats, and anonymous salary information, funded by a $350,000 state appropriation for fiscal years 2025-2027. This law directly affects all state budget units, school districts, and local governments by requiring standardized data reporting starting July 1, 2026.
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.
House Bill 1139 proposes to create a new sales tax exemption for fire departments in North Dakota. If enacted, this bill would allow fire departments to be exempt from paying sales tax on their purchases. The bill achieves this by amending section 57-39.2-04 of the North Dakota Century Code to include this specific exemption. It also provides for an effective date for the change to take effect.
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.
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.
HB 1591 appropriates $3 million from North Dakota's general fund to the agriculture commissioner for a one-time grant program supporting county fair infrastructure. It provides grants to county agriculture fair associations for planning, designing, and constructing infrastructure projects (like facilities or utilities) during the 2025-2027 biennium, with a maximum of $100,000 per association. The bill directly affects local fair associations by funding physical improvements to their facilities, not by changing regulations or affecting broader public policy. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, and it expires after the 2025-2027 period.
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.
