This bill appropriates funds for the public service commission to cover its expenses for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It includes a total appropriation of $23,456,172, which encompasses salaries, operating expenses, capital assets, and specialized legal services, among other items. Notably, the bill introduces a new line item for "Base Level Enhancements Appropriation" and specifies a new and vacant full-time equivalent (FTE) pool, which is set at $265,735. Additionally, it outlines one-time funding for drone imaging technology and federal intervention funding, totaling $405,000.

The bill also amends the salary structure for public service commissioners, increasing their annual salary to $139,256 through June 30, 2026, and to $143,434 thereafter. Furthermore, it modifies the distribution of special fuels excise taxes collected on diesel fuel sales to railroads, increasing the amount transferred to the rail safety fund from $332,373 to $352,892 per year. The public service commission is authorized 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
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations - Government Operations Division Committee: 49-01-05, 57-43.2-19
Enrollment: 49-01-05, 57-43.2-19