ND
North Dakota Senate Bill SB2018

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  

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.

Latest ND SB2018 Activity

View All Events: ND 2025-2026 Regular Session SB2018

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1018

The legacy investment for technology program, the North Dakota development fund, the workforce enhancement council, the administration of uncrewed aircraft system programs, workforce development grants to tribally controlled community colleges, and a North Dakota development fund grant program; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1519

AN ACT to provide appropriations to the department of career and technical education and agriculture commissioner for uncrewed aircraft system, autonomous vehicle, or other autonomous technology grants; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide a report.

ND HB1544

Use of the North Dakota development fund; 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.

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 SB2151

The creation of an office of immigration and the immigration workforce loan program; to provide a transfer; to provide an appropriation; and to provide for a report.

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 SB2393

The state leave sharing program, capitol grounds rent collections, and the law enforcement retirement program; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.

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 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.

Similar Bills

ND HB1018

The legacy investment for technology program, the North Dakota development fund, the workforce enhancement council, the administration of uncrewed aircraft system programs, workforce development grants to tribally controlled community colleges, and a North Dakota development fund grant program; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.

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 HB1519

AN ACT to provide appropriations to the department of career and technical education and agriculture commissioner for uncrewed aircraft system, autonomous vehicle, or other autonomous technology grants; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide a report.

ND HB1249

A BILL for an Act to provide appropriations to the attorney general, the department of career and technical education, the department of health and human services, and the agriculture commissioner for autonomous technology grants; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide a report.

US HB3560

National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Research and Development Act