North Dakota Senate Bill SB2179

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/25
• Refer: 1/13/25
• Report Pass: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Report Pass: 2/5/25

Caption

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 23.1-13-16 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to inspection fees; and to provide an expiration date.

Summary

SB 2179 would amend North Dakota’s inspection-fee statute for motor vehicle fuel and special fuels dealers. The bill keeps the existing per-gallon inspection fee at one-fortieth of one cent on gasoline, kerosene, tractor fuel, heating oil, and diesel fuel sold or used in the state, with the same exclusions for out-of-state sales and original package sales. It also retains the monthly reporting and payment schedule for licensed dealers and the tax commissioner’s annual reporting duties. The main change is where the collected money is deposited and how it is used. Under the bill, inspection-fee revenues would be directed to the Department of Environmental Quality operating fund instead of the state general fund, and the money would be used, subject to legislative appropriations, for the state fuel inspection program. The bill also includes a sunset provision making the act effective only through June 30, 2027.

Impact

If enacted, SB 2179 would revise section 23.1-13-16 of the North Dakota Century Code to redirect fuel inspection fee revenue from the general fund to the Department of Environmental Quality operating fund and tie those funds specifically to the state fuel inspection program. It would continue to impose the inspection fee on licensed motor vehicle fuel and special fuels dealers and preserve the existing administrative framework under chapters 57-43.1 and 57-43.2. The bill would also create a temporary statutory change by expiring on June 30, 2027.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have had little or no support in the Senate, as reflected by its failed second reading vote of 0 yeas and 46 nays. No committee transcripts were provided, so there is no recorded floor or committee debate to indicate support, compromise, or amendments. The voting result suggests broad opposition or lack of interest in advancing the measure.

Contention

The likely point of contention is the redirection of fee revenue away from the general fund and into a dedicated Department of Environmental Quality operating fund for the fuel inspection program. That change could be viewed as limiting general revenue flexibility while strengthening program-specific funding. Another possible issue is the bill’s temporary nature, since it would sunset in 2027, which may have raised questions about whether the funding change was necessary or appropriate as a short-term measure. Because no transcripts are available, the specific objections of legislators are not documented.