North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2018

Caption

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the department of commerce; to provide an appropriation to the attorney general; to provide an appropriation to the department of career and technical education; to provide an appropriation to the state fair association; to provide a contingent appropriation; to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-60 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to department of commerce grant reporting requirements; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 10-30.5-02, sections 54-60-09, 54-60-19, 54-60-28, 54-60-29, 54-60-29.1, and 54-60-31 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the purpose of the North Dakota development fund, duties and talent strategy of the division of workforce development, the uncrewed aircraft systems program, the uncrewed aircraft systems program fund, the beyond visual line of sight uncrewed aircraft system program, and changing the name of the office of legal immigration to the global talent office; to authorize a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide for a transfer; to provide an application; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a legislative management report.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 2018 (SB2018) provides appropriations for various state departments and initiatives in North Dakota for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It allocates funds to the Department of Commerce, the Attorney General, the Department of Career and Technical Education, and the State Fair Association. The bill also includes provisions for a new reporting requirement for grant programs administered by the Department of Commerce and modifies existing statutes related to the North Dakota Development Fund and workforce development initiatives. Notably, it establishes funding for autonomous technology grants and various tourism and community development projects. The bill aims to enhance workforce development, support economic growth through grants, and improve state infrastructure, particularly in technology and education. It also introduces a new Global Talent Office to facilitate the recruitment and integration of foreign labor into the state's workforce. The appropriations include one-time funding for specific projects, such as uncrewed aerial vehicle programs and grants for community colleges, which are intended to address workforce shortages and promote technological advancements in North Dakota.

Impact

If enacted, SB2018 will significantly impact state laws by amending several sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to economic development, workforce training, and grant reporting. It will enhance the operational capabilities of the Department of Commerce and other agencies by providing necessary funding and establishing new programs aimed at improving the state's workforce and technological infrastructure. The creation of the Global Talent Office will also change how the state approaches immigration and labor integration, potentially leading to a more diverse workforce.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB2018 appears to be supportive, as indicated by the votes in both the Senate and House, where it passed with a significant majority. Discussions in committee likely focused on the importance of workforce development and economic growth, reflecting a bipartisan interest in enhancing the state's capabilities to attract and retain talent and investment.

Contention

While the overall sentiment is supportive, there may be contention regarding the allocation of funds, particularly concerning how effectively they will be utilized for the intended purposes, such as workforce development and technology grants. Some legislators may express concerns over the efficiency of state spending and the potential for bureaucratic challenges in implementing the new programs and reporting requirements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2018

The purpose of the North Dakota development fund, duties and talent strategy of the division of workforce development, the uncrewed aircraft systems program, the uncrewed aircraft systems program fund, the beyond visual line of sight uncrewed aircraft system program, and changing the name of the office of legal immigration to the global talent office; to authorize a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide for a transfer; to provide an application; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a legislative management report.

ND SB2239

An apprenticeship grant program; and to provide an appropriation.

ND HB1015

County achievement days; to provide for a transfer; to authorize a line of credit; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2390

Definitions for regional planning councils; to provide an appropriation; and to provide for a transfer.

ND SB2331

The Theodore Roosevelt national park working group; to provide a report; and to provide an appropriation.

ND HB1020

State agency employment of attorneys, the powers and duties of the water topics overview committee, and a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide legislative intent; to provide for a report; to provide for a study; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2396

Annual audits of the North Dakota development fund; to provide for a performance audit of the North Dakota development fund; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an appropriation.

ND HB1004

The salary of the state auditor.

ND HB1003

Compensation and mileage and travel expenses for witnesses, the salary of the attorney general, twenty-four seven sobriety program fees, and the tobacco settlement trust fund; to provide for a report; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an exemption.

ND SB2256

A research technology park grant program; to provide an appropriation; and to provide for a report.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.