North Dakota Senate Bill SB2308

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

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.

Summary

Senate Bill 2308 aims to establish new regulations and standards for well drilling, installation of water well pumps, pitless units, and monitoring wells in North Dakota. It proposes the creation of a water well contractors advisory board and a boards review task force to streamline government operations. The bill also amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to health information technology, education, public health, and occupational licensing, while repealing outdated statutes. The legislation seeks to enhance oversight and ensure compliance with environmental standards in water-related construction and services.

Impact

If enacted, SB2308 will significantly update the regulatory framework governing water well construction and related activities in North Dakota. It will establish new requirements for contractors and create advisory boards to oversee compliance and certification processes. Additionally, the bill's amendments to existing statutes will improve the efficiency of various state agencies involved in health information technology, education, and public health, potentially leading to better service delivery and resource management.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB2308 appears to be mixed, with some support for the modernization of regulations and the establishment of oversight boards, while concerns have been raised regarding the potential bureaucratic implications and the impact on existing contractors. The bill has passed both the Senate and House with a significant majority, indicating a level of bipartisan support, although some dissenting voices have expressed worries about the implementation and enforcement of the new standards.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from existing water well contractors about the feasibility of the new certification requirements and the potential for increased costs associated with compliance. Some legislators have argued that the bill may impose unnecessary regulations that could hinder small businesses in the industry. On the other hand, proponents emphasize the need for stricter standards to protect water resources and public health.