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  

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 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.

ND SB2015

A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1014

Fuel production facility loan guarantee reserve funding, the housing incentive fund, the powers of the North Dakota pipeline authority, definitions for the clean sustainable energy authority, a clean sustainable energy authority line of credit, and an appropriation from the state fiscal recovery fund; to provide a contingent appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a study; to provide for a report; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an effective date; 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 HB1001

Legislative compensation; to provide a report; to provide an exemption; to provide for application, transfer, and cancellation of unexpended appropriations; 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 SB2003

Transfers from the lottery operating fund to the multijurisdictional drug task force grant fund and the salary of the attorney general; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2017

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the game and fish department; to provide a contingent appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an exemption.

ND HB1399

Oil and gas tax revenue hedging; to provide an appropriation; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide a statement of legislative intent; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2018

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

Similar Bills

ND SB2003

Transfers from the lottery operating fund to the multijurisdictional drug task force grant fund and the salary of the attorney general; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1447

Funds under management of the state investment board, opioid antagonist prescription, distribution, possession, or use, and the funding of the opioid treatment and prevention program; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide for application; and to declare an emergency.

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 HB1003

Compensation and mileage and travel expenses for witnesses, the salary of the attorney general, twenty-four seven sobriety program fees, and the tobacco settlement trust fund; to provide for a report; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an exemption.

TX SB991

Relating to the administration of the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas emerging technology fund and of awards from those funds.

OH HB74

Regards state information technology systems and shared services

WY SF0001

General government appropriations.

ND SB2009

The salary of the agriculture commissioner, the federal environmental law impact review committee, the environmental impact mitigation fund, and mitigating environmental impacts; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a legislative management study.