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.
Relating to a motor vehicle excise tax exemption for abandoned motor vehicles; and to amend and reenact subsection 2 of section 23.1‑15‑07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to excise tax on a motor vehicle taken into the custody of a commercial towing service.
SB 2096 provides $5 million for renovating state hospital buildings to serve individuals with mental illness under correctional custody, involuntary commitment, or court-ordered forensic exams. It also appropriates $100 million to establish four regional acute psychiatric treatment and residential supportive housing services across North Dakota. The funds will allow the Department of Health and Human Services to build up to 24-bed facilities in each region or contract with private providers for these services. The bill directly affects individuals requiring acute psychiatric care and supportive housing, with funding allocated for the 2025-2027 biennium.
SB 2207 amends North Dakota law to explicitly include federally recognized tribal governments within state reservations in the exemption from motor vehicle excise tax. This change directly affects tribal governments operating vehicles on their reservations, ensuring vehicles owned or procured by them are exempt from the tax. The bill expands an existing exemption previously covering state/federal entities to specifically include tribal governments. It takes effect for taxable events after June 30, 2025.
Relating to income tax rates for individuals, estates, and trusts and the marriage penalty credit; to repeal section 57‑38‑01.28 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the marriage penalty credit; and to provide an effective date.
Relating to a tax on cigars, other tobacco products, alternative tobacco products, electronic smoking devices, and electronic smoking device substances and a tobacco tax distribution fund; to amend and reenact section 57‑36‑01, subsection 1 of section 57‑36‑31, and section 57‑36‑32 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of alternative tobacco products, transfer and allocation of tobacco products tax revenue and tax on cigarettes; to provide a penalty; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide an effective date.
This North Dakota concurrent resolution urges the federal government, Congress, and the North Dakota Governor to end the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, which provides contracting preferences for certain businesses. It cites the program's alleged cost burdens on contractors and references a court case (Mid-America Milling Co. v. USDOT) finding its race-based criteria potentially unconstitutional. The resolution specifically directs North Dakota's Department of Transportation to terminate its DBE program and supports legal efforts to eliminate the program. As a symbolic resolution, it expresses legislative position but does not change current law.
HB 1438 appropriates $1.1 million from North Dakota's general fund for a historic theater restoration grant program administered by the state historical society. The program provides grants to organizations restoring historic theaters located in cities with populations exceeding 100,000, requiring recipients to secure matching funds from nonstate sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Funding is available for the biennium starting July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, and is designated as one-time funding. This bill directly affects eligible theater restoration organizations in qualifying cities through targeted grant support for preservation efforts.
Relating to a legacy fund school construction assistance loan fund; to amend and reenact section 21‑10‑11, relating to the legacy and budget stabilization fund advisory board; and to provide a continuing appropriation.
HB 1604 creates a new state program to fund K-12 school construction in North Dakota, directly affecting school districts seeking state assistance for new buildings. To qualify, districts must meet specific criteria, including demonstrating renovation costs exceed 60% of new construction costs, having a failed referendum for construction/renovation within a set timeframe, and securing their share of funding. The bill establishes tiered state funding rates (from 5% to 95% of costs) based on a district’s property tax valuation ("mill value"), with a $600 million appropriation allocated for the 2025-2027 biennium. It also requires districts to use state-appointed architectural firms meeting strict in-state criteria and mandates plans for long-term building maintenance. The program expires on July 1, 2035.
