AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 4.1-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to creating a farm management program within the department of agriculture; to amend and reenact section 15-20.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the powers and duties of the state board of career at technical education; and to provide an appropriation.
Summary
SB 2274 creates a new farm management program within the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and directs the agriculture commissioner to oversee coordination of farm management programs already offered by state agencies, boards, or commissions. It also authorizes the commissioner to create and expand marketing clubs as adjuncts to those programs, suggesting a focus on practical business training, peer learning, and market development for farmers and ranchers.
The bill also amends the powers and duties of the state board for career and technical education to add coordination of farm management programs and marketing clubs as part of its broader statutory authority. In addition, it appropriates $1.9 million from the general fund for the 2025-2027 biennium to pay for services related to the farm management program. The measure therefore affects both agriculture administration and state education-related coordination statutes, while creating a direct funding stream for implementation.
Impact
The bill adds a new section to chapter 4.1-01 of the North Dakota Century Code establishing a farm management program under the agriculture commissioner and expands section 15-20.1-03 to include coordination of farm management programs and marketing clubs within the state board’s career and technical education duties. It also makes a $1.9 million general fund appropriation for program services, which will require state spending for the next biennium and likely support program administration, outreach, and related services for agricultural producers.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment appears favorable, with the bill passing both chambers by wide margins. The Senate second reading vote was 13-31, indicating the bill initially faced substantial opposition or failed in that form, but the House later approved it 81-10, suggesting strong bipartisan support or a substantially revised version by the time it reached final passage. The final enrolled bill was filed with the Secretary of State, indicating enactment.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to have been the policy and fiscal scope of the proposal, especially the $1.9 million general fund appropriation and the state’s role in coordinating farm management programs. The Senate vote shows significant resistance at an earlier stage, though the record provided does not include debate transcripts identifying specific objections. Likely areas of disagreement include whether the program duplicates existing services, whether marketing clubs should be state-supported, and whether the appropriation is justified relative to other budget priorities.
AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 4.1-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to creating a farm management program within the department of agriculture; to amend and reenact section 15-20.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the powers and duties of the state board of career at technical education; and to provide an appropriation.
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 15-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the creation of the North Dakota student teacher scholarship program; and to provide an appropriation.
The onsite wastewater recycling technical committee; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide a penalty; and to provide an appropriation.
AN ACT to create and enact a new chapter to title 23.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to onsite wastewater treatment systems; to amend and reenact sections 23-35-02 and 23-35-08 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the powers and duties of the boards of health and public health units; to repeal sections 23-35-02.2 and 23-35-02.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the onsite wastewater recycling technical committee; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide a penalty; and to provide an appropriation.
AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 20.1-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to educational and community outreach programs established by the game and fish department.
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 4.1-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to creating a spay and neuter awareness grant program; to amend and reenact section 4.1-41-19 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the environment and rangeland protection fund; and to provide an appropriation.