ND
North Dakota Senate Bill SB2097

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2097

Introduced
1/7/25  
Refer
1/7/25  
Report Pass
2/10/25  
Refer
2/10/25  
Report Pass
2/18/25  
Engrossed
2/20/25  
Refer
2/21/25  
Report Pass
3/31/25  
Refer
4/1/25  

Caption

The creation of a rural community endowment fund and a rural community endowment fund committee; to provide an appropriation for the rural community endowment fund; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for a report.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will create a dedicated committee responsible for overseeing the distribution of grants from the endowment fund. This committee, composed of rural community representatives and a member from a nonprofit organization focused on housing and small business support, will prioritize projects that enhance public welfare in rural regions. The bill could lead to significant investments in local infrastructure and economic initiatives, potentially catalyzing growth and stability among rural populations. Moreover, the reports submitted to legislative committees will ensure ongoing transparency and accountability regarding the fund's usage.

Summary

Senate Bill 2097 proposes the establishment of a Rural Community Endowment Fund aimed at enhancing the welfare and development of rural areas in North Dakota. The fund will be composed of state-appropriated funds, along with donations and gifts, all intended to be used solely for the benefit of rural communities. The principal of this fund is to remain intact and may not be utilized until it reaches at least $10 million, with half of that amount needing to come from non-state sources. The funds can subsequently be used to support community projects related to housing, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 2097 appears largely supportive, as it strives to fill a funding gap for capital projects in rural areas, which have historically faced challenges in attracting investment. Proponents believe that the fund is essential for advocating rural needs in the state legislative framework and offering tailored resources that foster local development. However, there may also be skepticism about the fund's ability to meet its fundraising targets and actualize its objectives, given the reliance on private donations alongside state appropriations.

Contention

While many support the bill for its potential benefits, there are concerns about its ability to attract sufficient funding from private sources and its long-term sustainability. Critics may argue that the restrictions on the fund's use and the required thresholds for accessing funds could limit the immediate impact on rural communities in need. Additionally, the challenges of coordinating among various stakeholders to effectively evaluate and award grants may present operational barriers to the fund's success.

Latest ND SB2097 Activity

View All Events: ND 2025-2026 Regular Session SB2097

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1369

A fertilizer development fund; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide for a transfer.

ND SB2133

Collection and auditing of rural fire district funds.

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 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 HB1012

The flexible transportation fund, motor vehicle excise tax allocations, an appropriation for township roadway funding, and the appropriation of bond proceeds for transportation projects; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an effective date; 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 HB1010

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the council on the arts; to provide for transfers; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1011

A federal assets forfeiture fund; to provide an exemption; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide a report; and to provide for a transfer.

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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.