North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2002

Introduced

1/7/25

Refer

1/7/25

Report Pass

2/24/25

Engrossed

2/25/25

Refer

3/7/25

Report Pass

4/17/25

Enrolled

5/2/25

Passed

5/17/25

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill's passage is expected to have a significant impact on state laws related to judicial financing. By ensuring salary increases and providing funding for various judicial operations, SB2002 aims to maintain efficient and effective court functions. It also includes provisions for technological upgrades, such as courtroom audio and video equipment, to modernize the judicial process. The allocation of funds is anticipated to enhance the operational capabilities of the courts and could improve access to judicial services for the public at large, reflecting a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 2002 is an appropriation bill aimed at funding the expenses of the judicial branch in North Dakota. The bill outlines allocations for judicial salaries, specifically addressing the salaries of justices of the Supreme Court and district judges, and includes provisions for the office of guardianship and conservatorship. It seeks to authorize payments relating to operational and capital expenses, ensuring the judicial system remains adequately funded for the upcoming biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. Notably, the bill increases the salary for justices of the Supreme Court from $179,312 to $186,484 and district judges from $164,532 to $171,113 over the specified period.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2002 appears to be generally positive, with support from various legislative members who recognize the necessity of funding for the judicial branch. However, concerns were raised regarding the extent of appropriations and potential over-reliance on state funds, indicating a degree of contention among members regarding the financial management of state resources. Despite these concerns, the overarching view reflects an understanding of the importance of adequately resourcing the judiciary to uphold the rule of law.

Contention

Notable points of contention discussed in the legislature included the proposed appropriations and the associated financial implications for the state's budget. There was debate about how to balance needs for judicial funding against other state priorities. Additionally, some members expressed concerns about the fairness of salary increases in light of broader economic conditions and potential impacts on taxpayers. The discussions highlighted the ongoing tension between the need for a well-funded judiciary and the fiscal responsibilities of the state government.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1001

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

ND SB284

Courts; to further provide for the election of justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the appellate courts

ND HB1384

Court reporters; increase the salaries of.

ND HB1661

To Amend The Laws Concerning State District Courts; To Eliminate The Obligation Of Cities And Counties To Pay The Salaries Of State District Court Judges; And To Amend The Laws Concerning District Court Clerks.

ND HB905

AN ACT relating to salaries of the Court of Justice.

ND HB3585

Courts; court reporter duties; means by which a court reporter can record; court reporter salaries; court reporter certifications; examination of court reporters; secretary-bailiff salaries; effective date.

ND HB641

Provides with respect to the salaries of assistant district attorneys and the operating budget of the district attorney in the Twenty-Second Judicial District

ND HB368

Changes provisions governing additional state aid provided to school districts for increasing teacher salaries

ND SB2029

The task force on guardianship monitoring and transition requirements; to provide a penalty; to provide for a report; to provide an appropriation; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.

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.

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.