SB 2256 creates a new grant program in North Dakota for research technology parks, providing state funding to support these facilities. It directly affects eligible entities like universities, research institutions, or private developers seeking to establish or expand technology-focused park projects within the state. The bill authorizes a specific appropriation (funding allocation) for these grants and requires grantees to submit a report on program outcomes. This legislation establishes a formal mechanism for state financial support of research infrastructure development.
Relating to the definition of a public library, required safety policies and technology protection measures, and the state's attorney's review of public libraries, school districts, and state agencies for compliance with statutes protecting minors from explicit sexual material; to amend and reenact subsection 5 of section 12.1‑27.1‑01, subsection 2 of section 12.1‑27.1‑03.1, and sections 12.1‑27.1‑03.5 and 12.1‑27.1‑11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to obscenity control; to provide for a report to the legislative management; and to provide a penalty.
SB 2016 appropriates $6.7 million from North Dakota's general fund for Job Service North Dakota to cover salaries, operations, and other expenses during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill also includes $76 million in total funding (from general, federal, and other sources) to support job services, including $10.9 million specifically for modernizing the state's unemployment insurance computer system. This funding directly affects Job Service North Dakota's operations, enabling it to maintain staff, cover daily costs, and upgrade its unemployment claims processing technology. The bill does not create new policies but provides financial resources for existing services and infrastructure.
Relating to the financial institution data security program; and to amend and reenact sections 6‑01‑04.1 and 6‑01‑04.2, subsection 7 of section 6‑03‑02, sections 13‑04.1‑01.1, 13‑04.1‑11.1, 13‑05‑07.1, 13‑08‑10, 13‑08‑11.1, and 13‑09.1‑14, subsection 3 of section 13‑09.1‑17, sections 13‑09.1‑38 and 13‑10‑05, subsection 1 of section 13‑11‑10, section 13‑12‑19, subsections 6, 21, and 22 of section 13‑13‑01, and sections 13‑13‑04 and 13‑13‑18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the department of financial institutions, financial institutions, response to department requests, renewal of licenses, orders to cease and desist, issuance of licenses, revocation of licenses, and exemptions from licenses.
Relating to the state information technology research center, advanced technology review committee, compute credits grant program, and advanced technology grant fund.
SB 2386 amends North Dakota's cottage food law to restrict how small-scale food businesses can sell products. It prohibits interstate sales, internet/phone/mail transactions, and the sale of uninspected meat or poultry products, with specific limits for poultry: operators may slaughter no more than 1,000 birds yearly, cannot buy/sell outside their own production, and must ensure products are non-adulterated. This directly affects cottage food operators who sell homemade food, limiting their sales channels and product types. The law, signed by the governor on March 20, 2025, clarifies regulatory boundaries for these small businesses.
HB 1038 appropriates $15 million to replace state-owned uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) that don’t meet federal security requirements under the National Defense Authorization Act and American Security Drone Act of 2023. It requires state agencies to return outdated UAVs to the uncrewed aircraft systems test site for disposal or sale, while providing new compliant UAVs, staff training, and a centralized registration system for agencies. The bill also allocates $11 million for a state radar data pathfinder program to integrate federal radar data with state UAV operations, enhance security protocols, and improve safety and infrastructure. Both programs require reports by June 2026 detailing implementation, costs, and compliance needs. The bill directly affects state agencies using UAVs and aims to ensure federal regulatory compliance.
SB 2300 would require North Dakota public schools to provide secure containers for students to store personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, or smartwatches) during the school day. Students must turn off and place devices in these containers upon arrival, with exceptions for documented medical needs. The bill allocates $1.89 million to fund the secure containers for the 2025-2027 biennium. It directly affects all K-12 students and schools in North Dakota, mandating a specific storage process during school hours.
