This bill appropriates funds for the North Dakota Public Service Commission for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with a total budget of $23,286,172. It includes specific allocations for salaries, operating expenses, capital assets, and specialized legal services, with a notable increase in the salary of commissioners. The bill also introduces a new funding pool for new and vacant full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, while limiting the spending of these funds unless transferred to other line items. Additionally, it outlines one-time funding for drone imaging technology and federal intervention funding, totaling $405,000.

The bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code, specifically adjusting the annual salary of commissioners to $139,256 through June 30, 2026, and $143,434 thereafter. It also modifies the special fuels excise tax cap for diesel fuel sales to railroads, increasing the limit from $332,320 to $352,892 per year, with the funds directed to the rail safety fund. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Public Service Commission to obtain a loan of up to $900,000 from the Bank of North Dakota for costs related to a rail rate complaint case, with provisions for repayment based on the outcome of the case.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations - Government Operations Division Committee: 49-01-05, 57-43.2-19
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 49-01-05, 57-43.2-19