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 1193 appropriates $8.45 million from North Dakota's general fund for a one-time grant program to provide appreciation bonuses to eligible peace and correctional officers. State agencies and local governments (political subdivisions) qualify for reimbursement based on the number of peace officers employed in law enforcement for at least four consecutive years. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation receives direct funding based on its correctional officers' tenure. Funds must be used exclusively to award each eligible officer a salary bonus of up to $6,000 annually, with the Attorney General administering the program in consultation with relevant boards. The program covers the 2025-2027 biennium.
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.
HB 1016 allocates $25.6 million from North Dakota's general fund to cover the 2025-2027 biennium expenses for the Office of the Adjutant General. It specifically funds existing programs including National Guard operations, emergency services, and the North Dakota Veterans' Cemetery, with $500,000 designated for armory maintenance and repairs. The bill does not create new policies or affect eligibility but ensures continued funding for these state military and emergency services. This is a procedural appropriation bill, not a substantive policy change.
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.
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 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.
