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.
HB 1008 provides an appropriation to fund the operational expenses of the Public Service Commission (PSC). The bill also amends existing laws to adjust the salaries of public service commissioners. Additionally, it modifies provisions related to the deposit of special fuels excise taxes and includes authorization for state loans.
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 2228 allocates $1 million to North Dakota's department of commerce for grants to help rural grocery stores stay open and expand food access. The program prioritizes funding for existing stores over new store feasibility studies and runs for the 2025-2027 biennium. Grants can cover operational costs to sustain current stores or support new store planning. This is a one-time funding measure with no ongoing budget impact.
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.
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 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.
