North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2254

Introduced
1/20/25  
Refer
1/20/25  
Report Pass
2/10/25  
Refer
2/11/25  
Report Pass
2/20/25  
Engrossed
2/24/25  
Refer
2/25/25  
Report Pass
3/10/25  
Refer
3/11/25  
Report Pass
3/18/25  
Enrolled
3/31/25  

Caption

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of transportation for fixed route city paratransit transportation services grants; and to provide for a legislative management study.

Summary

SB 2254 appropriates $2 million in one-time general fund money to the North Dakota Department of Transportation for grants supporting fixed-route city transportation providers with associated paratransit services during the 2025-27 biennium. The bill is aimed at helping city transit systems cover the cost of paratransit, which is the specialized transportation service used by riders who cannot use standard fixed-route transit because of disability or other mobility limitations. In addition to the appropriation, the bill directs the Legislative Management to study the funding needs of fixed-route city transportation networks during the 2025-26 interim. That study must examine how these systems can meet population growth, economic development, workforce, and health care needs, and it must produce a proposed funding formula for inclusion in the Department of Transportation budget. The study’s recommendations, along with any needed implementing legislation, are to be reported to the 70th Legislative Assembly.

Impact

The bill creates a new one-time state grant program within the Department of Transportation for fixed-route city paratransit transportation services and adds a legislative study requirement that could lead to a future funding formula or broader transit financing changes. It does not permanently amend existing transit statutes in the text provided, but it does direct state policy development that may affect how city transit systems are funded in future biennia and how DOT budget appropriations are structured.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have broad bipartisan support, reflected in strong floor votes in both chambers. The Senate and House second-reading votes were overwhelmingly in favor, suggesting general agreement that city transit and paratransit services need additional support and that a study of long-term funding is warranted.

Contention

There is little evidence of major controversy in the available record, but the limited opposition likely reflects concerns about using general fund dollars for a one-time appropriation and about whether the state should establish a new funding formula for local transit systems. Any disagreement appears to have been minor, given the large margins of passage in both chambers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2254

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of transportation for fixed route city paratransit transportation services grants; and to provide for a legislative management study.

ND HB58

Transportation - Paratransit Services - Interjurisdictional Routes

ND HB0058

Transportation - Paratransit Services - Interjurisdictional Routes

ND HB1106

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of transportation for nonfixed route transit program grants.

ND HB1106

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of transportation for nonfixed route transit program grants.

ND HB0058

Transportation - Paratransit Services - Interjurisdictional Routes

ND A2110

Requires certain providers of transportation services to develop and publish route schedules.

ND HB1037

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the agriculture commissioner, the attorney general, the department of career and technical education, the department of health and human services, and the department of transportation to increase the use of uncrewed aircraft systems, autonomous vehicles, or other autonomous technologies in the state; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.

ND HB1037

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the agriculture commissioner, the attorney general, the department of career and technical education, the department of health and human services, and the department of transportation to increase the use of uncrewed aircraft systems, autonomous vehicles, or other autonomous technologies in the state; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.

ND HB1614

A BILL for an Act to provide for a department of transportation study regarding autonomous and semiautonomous vehicle technologies; and to provide a legislative management report.

Similar Bills

VA HB976

Person in temporary detention process; alternative transportation provider.

UT SB0310

Transportation Utility Fee Amendments

VA HB976

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 16.1-340.2 and 37.2-810, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, of the Code of Virginia, relating to transportation of person in the temporary detention process.

AZ SB1184

Transportation services employees; drivers; wages

MI SB0928

Health: licensing; behavioral health transportation licensing requirements; provide for. Amends 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1001 - 330.2106) by adding ch. 9B. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0927'26

CA AB1343

Local alternative transportation improvement program: Feather River crossing.

NJ S1249

Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation.

CA SB371

Transportation network companies: insurance coverage.