North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1038

Introduced

1/7/25

Refer

1/7/25

Report Pass

1/13/25

Engrossed

1/15/25

Refer

1/24/25

Report Pass

2/3/25

Refer

2/4/25

Report Pass

2/6/25

Refer

2/7/25

Report Pass

2/14/25

Enrolled

2/21/25

Passed

3/7/25

Caption

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for a state radar data pathfinder program; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.

Impact

The passing of HB1038 is considered a significant step for the state of North Dakota in positioning itself as a leader in the implementation of emerging drone technologies. The provided funding will support collaboration with the federally-recognized UAS test site, facilitating more effective integration of federal radar data and establishing comprehensive training and technical resources for state agencies. This collaboration is expected to enhance the state's overall readiness and innovation in the field of aerial data collection and usage, benefitting various sectors including agriculture, public safety, and commercial services.

Summary

House Bill 1038 proposes an appropriation of $11,000,000 to the North Dakota Department of Commerce for the establishment and administration of a state radar data pathfinder program. The aim of this program is to enhance the integration of federal radar data with uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) while improving safety and operational efficiency. This initiative comes amidst a growing emphasis on modernizing aviation infrastructure and ensuring compliance with federal aviation administration standards, which are essential for the state's aviation and drone-based technologies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1038 appears to be largely supportive among legislators who view it as a crucial investment in the state's aviation capabilities. The allocation of funds for the radar data pathfinder program reflects a proactive approach to enhancing technological infrastructure, with potential long-term benefits for economic development and safety. However, as with many legislative measures, there may be concerns around the effective use of taxpayer funds and the priorities of state spending, though these have not prominently surfaced in the discussions available.

Contention

While the bill passed with significant support in both the House and Senate, as reflected in the voting records—84 in favor and 3 against in the House, and 40 in favor to 4 against in the Senate—it also raises questions regarding the prioritization of funds in the state budget. Some opponents may argue that while advancing drone technology is important, resources could be utilized in other pressing areas such as traditional infrastructure enhancements or public services. As such, ongoing debates may surface about the balance between embracing technological innovation and addressing immediate community needs.

Latest ND HB1038 Activity

View All Events: ND 2025-2026 Regular Session HB1038

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2225

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for a housing for opportunity, mobility, and empowerment program; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2328

The bioscience innovation grant program; to provide a report; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1581

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for tribal tourism grants; and to provide for a legislative management report.

ND SB2018

The purpose of the North Dakota development fund, duties and talent strategy of the division of workforce development, the uncrewed aircraft systems program, the uncrewed aircraft systems program fund, the beyond visual line of sight uncrewed aircraft system program, and changing the name of the office of legal immigration to the global talent office; to authorize a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide for a transfer; to provide an application; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a legislative management report.

ND SB2228

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of commerce for a rural grocery store sustainability grant program.

ND HB1015

County achievement days; to provide for a transfer; to authorize a line of credit; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1249

A BILL for an Act to provide appropriations to the attorney general, the department of career and technical education, the department of health and human services, and the agriculture commissioner for autonomous technology grants; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide a report.

ND HB1024

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of various state departments and institutions; to provide a statement of legislative intent; 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.

ND HB1037

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the agriculture commissioner, the attorney general, the department of career and technical education, the department of health and human services, and the department of transportation to increase the use of uncrewed aircraft systems, autonomous vehicles, or other autonomous technologies in the state; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.