North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1008

Introduced
1/7/25  
Refer
1/7/25  
Report Pass
2/11/25  
Engrossed
2/14/25  
Refer
2/17/25  
Report Pass
3/28/25  
Enrolled
4/17/25  

Caption

The salaries of the public service commissioners and deposits of special fuels excise taxes; and to provide loan authorization.

Impact

This bill amends existing sections of the North Dakota Century Code, specifically concerning the salaries of public service commissioners and how special fuels excise taxes are handled. The adjustments in salary, which will see an increase over the coming years, indicate a commitment to attracting and retaining competent personnel within the commission. Additionally, the loan authorization highlights the necessity for sufficient operational funding to resolve rail rate disputes, which are critical for the state's transportation sector.

Summary

House Bill 1008 is designed to provide an appropriation to defray the expenses of the Public Service Commission in North Dakota for the biennium of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The bill outlines allocations for salaries and wages, operating expenses, and other necessary funds, including a provision for a loan authorization of up to $900,000 to address costs related to rail rate complaint cases. The funding emphasizes the need for adequate financial resources to ensure that the commission can effectively perform its regulatory functions.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment regarding HB 1008 appears to be supportive, as it aligns with the legislative intent to ensure thorough oversight of public utilities and transportation issues. There were discussions reflecting a positive view on maintaining operational effectiveness through adequate funding mechanisms. However, some concerns might arise about the reliance on loans for complaint cases, suggesting a possible need for ongoing scrutiny of how these financial measures impact the commission's budget and effectiveness.

Contention

While there has been general support for HB 1008, there could be points of contention related to the implications of increasing salaries and authorizing loans. Some stakeholders may argue about the accountability involved in loan usage and its impact on the state's financial resources. Additionally, questions may be raised regarding the long-term financial strategy of using loans for operational costs, which are typically expected to be covered by regular budgetary appropriations. The balancing act between adequate funding and fiscal responsibility will likely be a topic of discussion as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2002

The salaries of justices of the supreme court and salaries of district court judges; to provide for transfers; to provide for a report; and to provide an exemption.

ND SB2404

AN ACT to provide appropriations to the information technology department and public service commission; to provide contingent loan authorization; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2123

The Uniform Special Deposits Act; and to provide for application.

ND HB1427

Authorization for the public service commission to regulate the siting compatibility for data centers; and to provide a penalty.

ND SCR4015

The election of public service commissioners; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1001

Salaries of the governor and lieutenant governor; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a report.

ND HB1009

The salary of the agriculture commissioner; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1002

Public printing and the salary of the secretary of state; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an exemption.

ND HB1013

The salary of the superintendent of public instruction and administrative cost-sharing; to provide for a transfer; to provide a report; to provide an exemption; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1281

Motor vehicle fuel tax, special fuels tax, and aviation fuel tax refunds for fuels purchased by fire departments; and to provide an effective date.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.