North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1148

Introduced
1/3/23  
Refer
1/3/23  
Refer
1/9/23  
Report Pass
2/2/23  
Refer
2/2/23  

Caption

An agriculture infrastructure fund; to provide an appropriation; and to provide for a transfer.

Impact

The establishment of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is expected to have a significant impact on state laws governing agricultural development. By providing targeted financial support, the state aims to promote growth in value-added agriculture, which is vital for enhancing economic activity in rural areas. This initiative not only addresses the need for improved infrastructure but also serves as an incentive for local governments and private entities to invest in agricultural projects that could lead to increased job opportunities and economic diversity in the sector.

Summary

House Bill 1148 establishes an Agriculture Infrastructure Fund within the North Dakota Century Code. The bill aims to provide financial assistance through grants for improving infrastructure that supports the development of value-added agriculture businesses. Grants are available to political subdivisions and individuals or organizations, facilitating necessary infrastructure upgrades such as road, bridge, water, and sewer improvements. The bill includes an appropriation of $15 million for this purpose, aimed at enhancing existing agricultural operations and spurring new ventures.

Contention

Despite the intentions behind HB 1148, the bill faces challenges, especially regarding its funding and the potential allocation of resources. Critics may raise concerns about whether the $15 million funding is adequate to meet the needs of diverse agricultural businesses or if it will sufficiently encourage private sector investment. Additionally, there may be debate on the criteria for eligibility and the management of grant dispersals, which could affect access for smaller, local businesses compared to larger entities. Such points of contention highlight the complexities involved in allocating state funding for agriculture-focused initiatives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1276

The agriculture diversification and development fund; to provide an appropriation for the agriculture diversification and development fund; and to provide for a transfer.

ND SB2327

Uses of the agriculture diversification and development fund and committee; to provide an appropriation; and to provide for a transfer.

ND HB1332

A value-added agriculture facility incentive program; to provide for a transfer; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1379

The legacy sinking and interest fund and the legacy earnings fund; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1009

The salary of the agriculture commissioner; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2014

A transfer from the strategic investment and improvements fund to the clean sustainable energy fund; to provide a deficiency appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2333

Ethanol production incentives; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for a report.

ND SB2390

Definitions for regional planning councils; to provide an appropriation; and to provide for a transfer.

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 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.

Similar Bills

CA AB2106

Institutional purchasers: sale of California produce.

MS HB1055

Regulatory Sandbox Agricultural Innovation Pilot Program; establish.

CA AB778

Institutional purchasers: purchase of California-grown agricultural food products.

CA SB1308

Public educational institutions: purchase of nondomestic agricultural food products.

CA AB1025

Institutional purchasers: purchase of domestic agricultural food products.

CA AB822

Institutional purchasers: sale of California produce.

HI HB1584

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SB2363

Relating To Agriculture.