North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1020

Introduced

1/7/25

Refer

1/7/25

Report Pass

2/24/25

Engrossed

2/25/25

Refer

3/7/25

Report Pass

4/14/25

Enrolled

5/2/25

Passed

5/17/25

Caption

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the department of water resources; to create and enact a new section to chapter 61-24.6 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the northwest area water supply biota water treatment plant operating fund; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 54-12-08 and sections 54-35-02.7 and 61-02-79 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to state agency employment of attorneys, the powers and duties of the water topics overview committee, and a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide legislative intent; to provide for a report; to provide for a study; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

Impact

If enacted, HB1020 will have significant implications for state laws related to water resource management. It authorizes substantial funding levels for various water supply and flood control projects, including specific allocations for the Red River valley and Mouse River projects. The bill also positions the state water commission as a decision-making authority regarding the prioritization of these water projects, ensuring comprehensive legislative oversight. By allowing for ongoing appropriations and establishing a dedicated biota water treatment fund, HB1020 aims to create a stable financial framework that supports the department's operational needs over the next biennium.

Summary

House Bill 1020 is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at ensuring the funding and operational effectiveness of the North Dakota Department of Water Resources. The bill includes various provisions related to appropriations for the department, with a focus on ongoing water management projects and the establishment of a new fund for the biota water treatment plant. Additionally, HB1020 seeks to amend existing regulations regarding the employment of attorneys for state agencies, thereby streamlining legal representation in various departments. The bill is framed as a crucial investment in the state’s water infrastructure and management capabilities, particularly in light of projected future water resource needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1020 appears to be largely positive among lawmakers, with many expressing support for its goals of enhancing the state's water management infrastructure. Proponents view it as a necessary action to fortify North Dakota's water resources against upcoming challenges, including climate change and population growth. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the sufficient allocation of funds and the effective management of such resources, particularly given the bill's extensive financial commitments. Overall, the legislative discourse suggests a shared understanding of the critical role water plays in the state's future.

Contention

While there seems to be broad support for the provisions within HB1020, there may be contentious points regarding the allocation and oversight of funds, particularly for large projects like the Red River valley water supply. Some legislators may raise concerns about the potential long-term costs associated with these appropriations and the efficacy of the state water commission's decision-making process. The introduction of such a large amount of funding and the establishment of a special fund could trigger debates about accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

Latest ND HB1020 Activity

View All Events: ND 2025-2026 Regular Session HB1020

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1020

ND HB1019

The creation and naming of state parks; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a report; and to provide an exemption.

ND HB1019

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the parks and recreation department; to create and enact a new section to chapter 55-08 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the creation and naming of state parks; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a report; and to provide an exemption.

ND HB1015

County achievement days; to provide for a transfer; to authorize a line of credit; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1015

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the various divisions under the supervision of the director of the office of management and budget; to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-44 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a state facility maintenance fund; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 10-30.5-02 of the North Dakota Century Code and section 9 of House Bill No. 1012, as approved by the sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly, relating to the North Dakota development fund and infant and toddler care provider support payments; to repeal section 11-38-08 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to county achievement days; to provide for a transfer; to authorize a line of credit; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2390

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

ND SB2390

AN ACT to create and enact three new sections to chapter 54-40.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a rural catalyst committee, grant program, and fund; to amend and reenact section 54-40.1-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions for regional planning councils; to provide an appropriation; and to provide for a transfer.

ND SB2272

The insurance incentive fund; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide an exemption.

ND SB2272

A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new chapter to title 26.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the North Dakota insurance incentive program; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 21-10-06 and subsection 3 of section 26.1-01-07.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the insurance incentive fund; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide an exemption.

ND HB1199

The criminal justice data information sharing system; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.

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PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.