North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2256

Introduced
1/20/25  
Refer
1/20/25  
Refer
1/23/25  
Report Pass
2/6/25  
Refer
2/6/25  
Report Pass
2/18/25  
Engrossed
2/20/25  
Refer
2/21/25  
Report Pass
3/31/25  
Refer
4/1/25  
Report Pass
4/16/25  
Enrolled
5/2/25  

Caption

A research technology park grant program; to provide an appropriation; and to provide for a report.

Impact

The bill allocates $10 million as one-time funding from the state treasury to support this initiative over a two-year period. Of this amount, $5 million is granted unconditionally to the research technology park, while the remaining $5 million is contingent upon matching funds being raised from nonstate sources. This funding structure encourages collaboration between public institutions and private organizations, signaling a commitment to innovation and economic growth within the state framework.

Summary

SB2256 establishes a research technology park grant program under the administration of the Industrial Commission of North Dakota. The aim of the bill is to foster innovative research and development activities that advance the state's economy, particularly focusing on intelligent autonomous mobile equipment. The proposed program will provide financial assistance to the research technology park at North Dakota State University, enabling it to conduct exploratory research that enhances agricultural resources and defense capabilities while also promoting education and outreach concerning advanced technologies.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB2256 appears to be supportive, especially among legislators focused on enhancing North Dakota's technological capabilities and economic prospects. Advocates argue that the program will improve the state's competitive edge, attract talent, and develop essential skills in the workforce to meet future demands of advanced technology sectors. However, discussions also highlight the need for transparency and accountability concerning the use of public funds.

Contention

While the bill has garnered bipartisan support, some concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of such funding and the potential for prioritizing certain research areas over others. Critics may call for more clarity on the evaluation process for funded projects to ensure alignment with state needs and objectives. Overall, SB2256's implementation hinges on careful administration and the successful mobilization of matching resources to ensure its long-term success.

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 HB1003

Matching grants for legal education and the workforce education advisory council; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide loan authorization for the Mayville state university old main project; to provide for a report; to provide an exemption; to provide legislative intent; 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 SB2161

The state energy research center and the center's funding.

ND SB2019

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the parks and recreation department; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for an exemption.

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 HB1307

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the attorney general for a back the blue grant program; and to provide for a report.

ND HB1020

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the North Dakota state university extension service, northern crops institute, upper great plains transportation institute, main research center, branch research centers, and agronomy seed farm; to provide for a report; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1225

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the information technology department for providing grants to counties for expenses related to an online portal for electronically accessible property information and property tax information.

Similar Bills

CA SB109

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development.

CA AB1578

School Pavement to Parks Grant Program.

CA SB893

California Artificial Intelligence Research Hub.

CA SB398

Department of Technology: advanced technology: research.

HI SB3205

Relating To Energy.

NM SB20

Technology Research Collaborative Fund

HI HB1257

Relating To Energy.

HI SB819

Relating To Energy.