Relating to a valuation reduction for property used as a primary residence; to amend and reenact subdivision b of subsection 4 of section 15.1‑27‑04.1, subsection 26 of section 57‑02‑08, sections 57‑02‑08.1, 57‑02‑08.3, 57‑02‑08.9, 57‑02‑08.10, and 57‑02‑11.1, subsection 1 of section 57‑23‑06, and section 57‑55‑10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the determination of state school aid, removal of the homestead credit, homestead renter refund, and the primary residence credit; to repeal sections 57‑02‑08.2 and 57‑02‑08.8 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the homestead credit certification and disabled veterans' credit; to provide for retroactive application; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.
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.
HB 1143 allocates $10 million from North Dakota's strategic investment fund to create a grant program for constructing statewide charitable food distribution facilities. The program, active during 2025-2027, provides grants to nonprofits or community groups to cover construction costs (like site acquisition, building, and equipment) for food distribution centers. Recipients must contribute a 1:1 match from nonstate funds and submit annual reports on fund usage and effectiveness. This one-time funding is restricted to facility construction, not operational costs, and directly benefits organizations building infrastructure to support food distribution networks.
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 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.
Relating to membership of the information technology committee and the information technology operating fund; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.
HB 1264 appropriates $75,000 from the general fund to the North Dakota State Historical Society for a one-time bridge construction project at Whitestone Hill State Historic Site. The funding is allocated for the 2025-2027 biennium and is specifically designated for infrastructure improvements at the site. This procedural bill directly affects the State Historical Society and the Whitestone Hill site by providing dedicated capital for physical enhancements.
