This bill provides an appropriation for the public service commission to cover its expenses for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It includes a total funding amount of $23,456,172, with specific allocations for salaries, operating expenses, capital assets, and various programs. Notably, the bill introduces a new line item for "Base Level Enhancements Appropriation" and specifies a new and vacant FTE pool, which cannot be spent without a transfer request to the office of management and budget. Additionally, 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.

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 that must be deposited into the rail safety fund from $332,327 to $352,892 per year. These changes aim to enhance the operational capacity of the public service commission and ensure adequate funding for rail safety initiatives.

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