North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2018

Introduced

1/7/25

Refer

1/7/25

Report Pass

2/24/25

Engrossed

2/25/25

Refer

3/7/25

Report Pass

4/22/25

Enrolled

5/2/25

Passed

5/17/25

Caption

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.

Impact

One of the primary impacts of SB 2018 is the enhancement of workforce development strategies and educational initiatives. It introduces funding for programs related to autonomous technologies, allowing for innovation in sectors such as aviation and agriculture. The establishment of grant programs, particularly for community services and technical education, aims to address skills shortages in critical state industries. Additionally, the bill aims to facilitate economic growth through strategic financial investments in state infrastructure and services.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 2018 focuses on appropriating funds to various state departments including the Department of Commerce, Attorney General, Department of Career and Technical Education, and State Fair Association. The bill outlines substantial financial allocations aimed at supporting workforce development initiatives, enhancing technology programs, and providing grants for educational and community improvements. The funding is designated for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, and includes both general and federal funds, as well as provisions for one-time funding for specific projects.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB 2018 appears to be largely positive, with support expressed for its potential to bolster the economy and improve state services. Legislators and stakeholders have emphasized the necessity of equipping the workforce with relevant skills in response to evolving industrial needs. However, there are some concerns regarding the allocation and effectiveness of the proposed funding, especially regarding one-time funding provisions. The need for accountability and transparency in grant allocations is a recurring theme in discussions about the bill.

Contention

Discussions about SB 2018 have highlighted some points of contention, particularly around the effectiveness of the allocated funds and the scope of the proposed programs. Some legislators have raised questions about whether the funding, particularly for autonomous technology grants, will adequately meet the needs of rapidly changing job markets. There is also skepticism about how effectively the Department of Commerce will manage the various grant programs, especially concerning reporting and accountability. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of ensuring that the investments translate into tangible benefits for local communities and the economy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB389

Relating To Uncrewed Aircraft Offenses.

ND HB389

Relating To Uncrewed Aircraft Offenses.

ND SB282

Relating To Uncrewed Aircraft Offenses.

ND SB282

Relating To Uncrewed Aircraft Offenses.

ND SB2193

Mississippi Streetgang Act; amend to include additional penalties for use of uncrewed aircraft systems.

ND SB2396

Annual audits of the North Dakota development fund; to provide for a performance audit of the North Dakota development fund; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an appropriation.

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.

ND HB1504

To Create The Offense Of Manufacturing, Modifying, Selling, Transferring, Or Operating A Robotic Device Or An Uncrewed Aircraft That Is Equipped Or Mounted With A Weapon.

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 HB1020

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.

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.