This bill provides an appropriation for the public service commission in North Dakota, detailing funding for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It includes a total appropriation of $23,456,172, with specific allocations for salaries, operating expenses, capital assets, and various programs, including a rail safety program and specialized legal services. 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, it outlines one-time funding for drone imaging technology and federal intervention funding.

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 cap from $332,373 to $352,892 per year, which will be deposited into the rail safety fund. 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