North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1020

Introduced

1/7/25

Refer

1/7/25

Report Pass

2/24/25

Engrossed

2/25/25

Refer

3/7/25

Report Pass

4/14/25

Enrolled

5/2/25

Passed

5/17/25

Caption

State agency employment of attorneys, the powers and duties of the water topics overview committee, and a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide legislative intent; to provide for a report; to provide for a study; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

Impact

If enacted, HB1020 will have significant implications for state laws related to water resource management. It authorizes substantial funding levels for various water supply and flood control projects, including specific allocations for the Red River valley and Mouse River projects. The bill also positions the state water commission as a decision-making authority regarding the prioritization of these water projects, ensuring comprehensive legislative oversight. By allowing for ongoing appropriations and establishing a dedicated biota water treatment fund, HB1020 aims to create a stable financial framework that supports the department's operational needs over the next biennium.

Summary

House Bill 1020 is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at ensuring the funding and operational effectiveness of the North Dakota Department of Water Resources. The bill includes various provisions related to appropriations for the department, with a focus on ongoing water management projects and the establishment of a new fund for the biota water treatment plant. Additionally, HB1020 seeks to amend existing regulations regarding the employment of attorneys for state agencies, thereby streamlining legal representation in various departments. The bill is framed as a crucial investment in the state’s water infrastructure and management capabilities, particularly in light of projected future water resource needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1020 appears to be largely positive among lawmakers, with many expressing support for its goals of enhancing the state's water management infrastructure. Proponents view it as a necessary action to fortify North Dakota's water resources against upcoming challenges, including climate change and population growth. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the sufficient allocation of funds and the effective management of such resources, particularly given the bill's extensive financial commitments. Overall, the legislative discourse suggests a shared understanding of the critical role water plays in the state's future.

Contention

While there seems to be broad support for the provisions within HB1020, there may be contentious points regarding the allocation and oversight of funds, particularly for large projects like the Red River valley water supply. Some legislators may raise concerns about the potential long-term costs associated with these appropriations and the efficacy of the state water commission's decision-making process. The introduction of such a large amount of funding and the establishment of a special fund could trigger debates about accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2014

A transfer from the strategic investment and improvements fund to the clean sustainable energy fund; to provide a deficiency appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2006

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the North Dakota aeronautics commission; to provide an exemption; and to provide a statement of legislative intent.

ND SB2015

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the department of corrections and rehabilitation; to authorize a line of credit; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a report; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an exemption.

ND SB2001

Use of legislative rooms and halls and legislative compensation; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; and to provide for application, transfer, and cancellation of unexpended appropriations.

ND HB1577

A wastewater infrastructure grant program and the duties of the department of environmental quality; to authorize a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2003

The naming of the Bismarck state college polytechnic center; to authorize the state board of higher education to issue and sell bonds for capital projects; to provide for a transfer; to provide for the conveyance of real property; to provide for a legislative management higher education funding review committee; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide legislative intent; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1016

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the office of the adjutant general; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2333

Ethanol production incentives; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for a report.

ND SB2007

Meals provided to employees of the veterans' home; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1199

The criminal justice data information sharing system; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.

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

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.