AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the North Dakota state college of science; and to declare an emergency.
Summary
HB 1331 appropriates $1.75 million in one-time funding to the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) for construction of an artificial turf playing surface. The money comes from other funds, specifically gifts, grants, donations, and other local funds, and may include up to $250,000 from dining services auxiliary revenues. The bill limits the appropriation period to the time between enactment and June 30, 2027.
The measure is narrowly focused on a single capital project at NDSCS and does not create a broad program or ongoing state obligation. By classifying the money as one-time funding and tying it to non-general-fund sources, the bill leaves existing state statutes largely unchanged while authorizing the college to spend designated local and private funds for the athletic facility project. The emergency clause makes the act effective immediately upon approval, allowing the project to proceed without waiting for the usual effective date.
Impact
HB 1331 affects state law by creating a specific, time-limited appropriation for the North Dakota State College of Science and authorizing use of designated local and auxiliary revenues for an artificial turf field project. It does not amend regulatory statutes or establish a continuing appropriation, but it does legally permit the college to expend the identified funds for construction through June 30, 2027. The emergency designation accelerates implementation and signals legislative intent for immediate use of the funds.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support overall, passing the House and Senate with large majorities and only a small number of dissenting votes. The vote totals suggest general agreement with funding the college project and with the use of non-state, locally derived funds for the appropriation. The absence of committee transcript material limits insight into detailed debate, but the recorded votes indicate a favorable legislative sentiment.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the use of institutional and auxiliary revenues, including up to $250,000 from dining services, for an athletic facility rather than for academic or operational needs. Some lawmakers may also have objected to the project’s cost, the emergency designation, or the prioritization of a turf field at a public college. However, the small number of negative votes indicates that any opposition was limited and did not prevent passage.