ND
North Dakota Senate Bill SB2003

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2003

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  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SB 2003 would significantly enhance funding for the higher education sector in North Dakota, with specific allocations for capital projects and operational funding across various state institutions. The bill includes provisions for skilled workforce student loan repayment and scholarship funds, facilitating financial aid for students aiming to fill essential job roles in the state. It also aims to strengthen the university system's governance by laying down procedures for presidential appointments and operational alignment across institutions, thus fostering a cohesive educational framework.

Summary

Senate Bill 2003 aims to allocate funding and make amendments concerning the North Dakota university system for the biennium period of 2025 to 2027. The bill provides essential appropriations for various educational initiatives, including scholarships and student financial assistance, emphasizing workforce development through skilled workforce programs. Additionally, it sets forth procedures for the hiring of university presidents and outlines the responsibilities and powers of the state board of higher education in managing and distributing funds across institutions.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 2003 has been generally positive among educational stakeholders who advocate for increased investment in higher education and workforce readiness. Proponents argue that the funding strategies outlined in the bill address critical needs in state education systems and respond to labor market demands. However, there are concerns regarding the heavy reliance on appropriations from the Bank of North Dakota and the impact of potential funding dependencies on institutional autonomy and strategic decision-making.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between centralized governance and the autonomy of individual institutions under the board of higher education. While the bill mandates certain actions and funding procedures, critics argue it could lead to overreach in institutional governance. The effectiveness of the proposed funding strategies, alongside the anticipated outcomes for workforce readiness and educational quality, remains a key area of debate among legislators and educational leaders.

Latest SB2003 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1003

Matching grants for legal education and the workforce education advisory council; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide loan authorization for the Mayville state university old main project; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; to provide legislative intent; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2012

The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2343

State board of higher education policy; and to provide for a legislative management report.

ND SB2018

Permit fees; to provide an exemption; to provide a statement of legislative intent; and to provide for a legislative management study.

ND HB1004

The deposit of judgment funds; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for an exemption.

ND SB2004

The powers and duties of the state auditor and the salary of the state auditor; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1446

A program for tenured faculty review at institutions of higher education; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2016

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

ND HB1543

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of health and human services, department of career and technical education, and Bismarck state college for facility-related projects; to authorize the issuance of revenue bonds for a Bismarck state college facility project; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2020

A Bank of North Dakota line of credit and state water commission discretionary funding; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a report; to provide legislative intent; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

ND HB1003

Matching grants for legal education and the workforce education advisory council; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide loan authorization for the Mayville state university old main project; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; to provide legislative intent; and to declare an emergency.

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.

MN SF5289

Omnibus Jobs, Economic Development, supplemental appropriations