North Dakota Senate Bill SB2308

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Report Pass: 2/24/25
• Engrossed: 2/25/25
• Refer: 3/7/25
• Report Pass: 3/24/25
• Enrolled: 5/1/25
• Passed: 5/2/25

Caption

AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 23.1-01, a new section to chapter 54-07, and two new sections to chapter 61-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to standards for well drilling and installation of water well pumps, pitless units, and monitoring wells, a boards review task force, a water well contractors advisory board, and requirements for firms engaged in water well work, installation of water well pump and pitless units, monitoring well work, and drilling of geothermal systems; to amend and reenact section 6-09-43, subdivision j of subsection 2 of section 15.1-01-04, sections 15.1-07-33 and 23-35-02.2, subsection 1 of section 50-06-01.4, sections 52-02-02 and 52-02-08, subsection 1 of section 54-07-01.2, sections 54-54-05, 54-59-26, 54-59-27, 54-59-34, 54-59-36, 54-59-37, 54-59-39, 61-03-01.3, 61-04.1-03, 61-04.1-08, 61-04.1-09, 61-04.1-12, 61-04.1-14, 61-04.1-15, 61-04.1-16, 61-04.1-17, 61-04.1-18, 61-04.1-19, 61-04.1-20, 61-04.1-21, 61-04.1-33, 61-04.1-34, 61-04.1-37, 61-04.1-38, and 61-04.1-39, and subdivision a of subsection 2 of section 65-02-03.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the wastewater recycling treatment guide, boards and commissions, the unemployment insurance advisory council, gubernatorial appointments, the committee on aging, health information technology advisory committee, statewide longitudinal data system committee, atmospheric resource board, the department of health and human services, the council on the arts, the state engineer, the superintendent of public instruction, job service North Dakota, and workforce safety and insurance coordinating committee; to repeal chapter 8-11.1, sections 12-48-06.1, 15.1-37-05, 15.1-37-06, and 15.1-37-08, chapter 17-07, sections 19-24.1-38, 19-24.1-39, and 23-35-02.3, chapters 34-16 and 43-35, sections 50-06-05.6, 50-06.4-10, 50-11.1-25, 50-11.1-26, 50-11.1-27, 52-02-07, 54-34.3-10, 54-54-10, 54-59-25, 54-59-33, 54-59-35, 54-59-38, 54-60-25, 55-01-13, 55-01-14, 61-04.1-04, 61-04.1-05, 61-04.1-06, 61-04.1-07, and 61-04.1-10, and chapter 61-36 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to occupational and professional boards, the midwest interstate passenger rail compact, prison industry advisory committee, energy policy commission, medical marijuana advisory committee, onsite wastewater recycling technical committee, state board of water well contractors, committee on aging, brain injury advisory council, early childhood council, unemployment insurance advisory council, commission on the status of women, health information technology advisory committee, poet laureate nominating board, rural development council, America 250 commission, atmospheric resource board, and Devils Lake outlet management advisory committee; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts the state's legislative framework concerning water resource management. By enforcing stricter licensing requirements for water well contractors and installers, it aims to enhance the quality and safety of water well operations. Additionally, provisions for weather modification will provide a structured approach to conducting such operations, ensuring that they are carried out responsibly and with minimal environmental impact. This legislation seeks to protect both public health and the natural environment from potential hazards associated with poorly managed water-related activities.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 2308 aims to amend and enact various sections of the North Dakota Century Code focusing mainly on regulations regarding water well drilling, installation of water well pumps, and weather modification practices. The bill introduces a framework for overseeing these activities while creating standards for contractors in the field. It establishes a water well contractors advisory board that will oversee the certification and regulation of professionals engaged in well construction and related activities, ensuring public safety and compliance with environmental standards.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB2308 appears to be supportive among legislators concerned with public health and environmental safety. Proponents argue that stricter regulations will benefit the community by ensuring that wells are not only constructed safely but also monitored for their environmental effects. However, there may be concerns from industry stakeholders regarding the increased regulatory burden and potential costs associated with compliance. The debate reflects a balance between necessary oversight and the desire for operational freedom in the sector.

Contention

Notable points of contention within the discussions surrounding SB2308 involve the implications of excessive regulation on the water well and weather modification industries, particularly among smaller contractors who may find it difficult to meet new requirements. Critics argue that the regulations may create barriers to entry in the market, potentially leading to increased costs for consumers and reduced competition. Nevertheless, supporters maintain that the long-term benefits of enhanced environmental protections and public safety will outweigh these concerns.