This bill appropriates approximately $158.3 million for various state departments and initiatives in North Dakota for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It includes funding for the Department of Commerce, the Attorney General, the Department of Career and Technical Education, and the State Fair Association, among others. A notable addition is the establishment of grant reporting requirements for the Department of Commerce, along with amendments to existing sections related to the North Dakota Development Fund and the rebranded Global Talent Office. The bill also outlines one-time funding initiatives for autonomous technology, tourism marketing, and uncrewed aerial vehicle programs, while mandating matching funds for certain grants and allowing the Department of Commerce to borrow up to $25 million from the Bank of North Dakota.

Additionally, the bill allocates $750,000 for workforce development grants to tribally controlled community colleges and $2,150,000 for grants to support regional planning councils. It establishes a statewide nonprofit development corporation to provide loans and support for new or expanding businesses, and mandates the Department of Commerce to compile semiannual reports on grant programs. Significant amendments include the creation of a Global Talent Office to assist businesses in recruiting foreign labor and the establishment of an uncrewed aircraft systems program. The bill aims to enhance workforce development, support economic growth, and improve the integration of immigrant labor into the state's economy through targeted funding and strategic initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations - Government Operations Division Committee: 54-60-31
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 54-60-31
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee: 10-30.5-02, 54-58-03, 54-60-09, 54-60-19, 54-60-28, 54-60-29, 54-60-29.1, 54-60-31
25.0185.02015 : 10-30.5-02, 54-60-09, 54-60-19, 54-60-28, 54-60-29, 54-60-29.1, 54-60-31
25.0185.02016 : 10-30.5-02, 54-60-09, 54-60-19, 54-60-28, 54-60-29, 54-60-29.1, 54-60-31
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Conference Committee: 10-30.5-02, 54-60-09, 54-60-19, 54-60-28, 54-60-29, 54-60-29.1, 54-60-31
Enrollment: 10-30.5-02, 54-60-09, 54-60-19, 54-60-28, 54-60-29, 54-60-29.1, 54-60-31