This bill exempts infrastructure fees collected by North Dakota cities and counties from local tax spending limits. It ensures fees for projects like roads, sewers, or utilities won't count toward the maximum taxes a city or county can levy under state law. The law applies to fees defined in specific sections of the North Dakota Century Code (including sections 11-11-55.1 and 40-22-01.3). This change directly affects how local governments fund infrastructure projects without triggering budget restrictions.
HB 1256 would allocate $75,000 from North Dakota's general fund as one-time funding for the Parks and Recreation Department to provide grants for walking trail expansion projects. The bill specifically targets rural communities experiencing significant population growth during the 2025-2027 biennium. It directs the department to award grants for trail projects that improve recreational access in these growing areas. This is a procedural funding bill with no other substantive policy changes.
This bill amends North Dakota's income tax law to allow a deduction for benefits received by retired law enforcement personnel. It modifies a specific section of the North Dakota Century Code, enabling these individuals to reduce their taxable income based on these benefits. The legislation also includes a provision for retroactive application of this tax deduction.
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 1331 appropriates $1.75 million (including up to $250,000 from dining services revenues) to North Dakota State College of Science for a one-time construction project. The funds are specifically designated to build an artificial turf playing surface, effective immediately and ending June 30, 2027. The bill declares an emergency to expedite this funding allocation. This measure directly affects the college's athletic facilities and requires no legislative action beyond the appropriation.
HB 1468 appropriates $16 million from North Dakota's general fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for grants supporting behavioral health facilities. It requires grantees to increase inpatient behavioral health beds by 30 in the west central region and operate facilities for at least 10 years, with repayment required if they fail to meet this term. Grant funds are disbursed only after infrastructure is complete and staffing plans are approved. The bill directly affects entities building or expanding behavioral health facilities in the specified region.
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.
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.
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.
SB 2282 creates a new income tax credit for qualified employers in North Dakota. This credit is designed for businesses that contribute to their employees' child care expenses. The bill amends existing sections of the North Dakota Century Code to establish this new tax incentive.
