The salaries of the public service commissioners, the transfer and distribution of funds in the highway tax distribution fund, and siting process administrative fees; to provide a transfer; and to declare an emergency.
Impact
The provisions within SB2008 amend sections of the North Dakota Century Code concerning the salaries of public service commissioners, as well as the administration of the highway tax distribution fund. The proposed amendments include stipulations on how funds should be transferred and utilized, notably linking fees to the original investment amount of applicants in the energy sector. By implementing a fee structure that scales with investment, the bill is designed to ensure that the costs incurred by the commission in regulating these industries are adequately covered, ultimately impacting how state resources are managed and allocated for public services.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 2008 presents an appropriation aimed at supporting the operational expenses of the North Dakota Public Service Commission for the 2023-2025 biennium. The bill outlines specific funding allocations, including salaries, operational expenses, and capital assets, totaling approximately $21.26 million. Furthermore, it addresses the establishment and adjustment of administrative fees related to the siting process for energy facilities, thereby adjusting the financial obligations of those applying for various permits to reflect a more streamlined funding mechanism for the commission.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB2008 appears to be generally supportive, particularly from members of the legislature who prioritize the efficient functioning of state agencies like the public service commission. The bill was passed unanimously in the Senate and faced minimal opposition in the House, indicating a broad consensus on the need for such appropriations. Nonetheless, discussions may arise concerning the fairness of the fee structures applied to applicants and whether they could serve as a barrier to entry for smaller businesses in the energy sector.
Contention
While SB2008 itself did not spark significant contention, the implications of its administrative fee adjustments may lead to debates about the accessibility of the energy market for new entrants. Concerns about whether the fee structures could be disproportionately burdensome on smaller enterprises KNote could arise as the bill moves forward. Additionally, as it triggers an emergency measure, timelines for implementation are accelerated, which may not afford stakeholders sufficient time to adapt to the new regulatory landscape.
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.
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.
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.
The salaries of justices of the supreme court, the salaries of district court judges, and compensation of jurors; to provide for transfers; to provide for a report; and to provide an exemption.
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.
Legacy fund definitions, a legacy earnings fund, the legacy earnings highway distribution fund, and legacy earnings township highway aid fund; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for application; to provide an effective date; and to provide an exemption.
Legacy fund definitions, a legacy earnings fund, the legacy earnings highway distribution fund, and legacy earnings township highway aid fund; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for application; to provide an effective date; and to provide an exemption.