Relating to the creation of a criminal offense for the misuse of education savings account funds and the establishment of the education savings account program; to amend and reenact section 15.1‑20‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to exceptions to compulsory school attendance; to provide a penalty; to provide an appropriation; and to provide a continuing appropriation.
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 2218 appropriates $500,000 from North Dakota's strategic investment fund to provide a one-time grant to the North Dakota Firefighter's Association. The funds must cover costs for constructing a new association building, effective immediately through June 30, 2027. This bill directly affects the Firefighter's Association by enabling their new facility project. The legislation is designated as an emergency measure to expedite funding.
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.
SB 2239 establishes a state-funded apprenticeship grant program in North Dakota. The program would provide financial assistance to both apprentices and employers participating in approved apprenticeship training. This bill creates a new funding mechanism within the state code and includes a specific appropriation to support the program's implementation.
SB 2286 proposes authorizing the University of North Dakota (UND) to borrow up to $55 million through a line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota during 2025-2027, with interest capped at rates for state entities. It also appropriates $95 million in one-time funding for UND to construct a new health sciences facility at its School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The facility aims to expand health workforce capacity in areas like behavioral health and wellness, while supporting research and academic programs. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on April 8, 2025, with 6 votes in favor and 87 against.
SB 2254 provides $2 million in one-time funding for fixed-route city transportation systems in North Dakota to support their paratransit services (accessible transit options for people with disabilities or mobility challenges) during the 2025-2027 biennium. This grant program directly benefits cities operating public bus routes that offer complementary paratransit services. The bill also requires the legislature to conduct a study during the 2025-26 interim, examining how transit networks can address population growth, economic development, workforce needs, and healthcare access, with the goal of developing a future funding formula for these systems. The study will inform potential future budget allocations for city transportation services.
