AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 2 of section 54-24.4-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to state aid to public libraries.
Summary
HB 1420 amends North Dakota Century Code section 54-24.4-05, subsection 2, to clarify the authority of the relevant state body to approve the distribution of state-funded grants to libraries. The bill specifically preserves an exception for grants distributed under chapter 54-24.2, meaning those grants are handled separately and are not affected by this approval requirement.
In practical terms, the bill is a narrow administrative change affecting state aid to public libraries. It does not create a new grant program or change library eligibility standards; rather, it adjusts how state-funded library grants are approved and administered within existing law. The measure was enacted and filed with the Secretary of State after passing both chambers.
Impact
The bill makes a targeted amendment to the state laws governing public library aid by revising the language in section 54-24.4-05(2). Its effect is to confirm that the designated state entity approves distribution of state-funded library grants, while leaving grants under chapter 54-24.2 outside that approval process. The primary parties affected are public libraries and the state officials or board responsible for administering library grant distributions.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad bipartisan support and little visible opposition. It passed the House 92-2 and the Senate 47-0, indicating strong agreement that the change was routine or noncontroversial. No committee transcript was provided, but the overwhelming votes suggest a generally favorable sentiment toward the measure.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available record. The only notable point is the bill’s narrow administrative focus: it adjusts grant-distribution authority for public libraries while expressly excluding chapter 54-24.2 grants. The two House مخالف votes may indicate isolated disagreement or concern, but no specific objections are documented in the provided materials.