The proposed bill seeks to appropriate funds for the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with a focus on enhancing health and human services across various divisions. Key provisions include the establishment of an extraordinary medical needs housing loan fund and amendments to existing laws concerning property leases, substance use disorder treatment programs, and the formation of an opioid settlement advisory committee and children's cabinet. The bill outlines specific funding allocations for salaries, business operations, behavioral health, and public health, while also allowing for one-time funding items, transfers, and a reporting requirement to the legislative assembly regarding fund usage.

Additionally, the bill introduces several amendments to existing laws, including the removal of the matching funds requirement for community cultural center grants and a shift in focus from construction to programming. It also establishes a new state hospital facility steering committee and allows the DHHS to exceed appropriations for the medical assistance expansion program due to increased caseloads. Other notable provisions include a two percent inflation increase for human service providers, a moratorium on new licensed intermediate care facility beds until mid-2027, and the introduction of a mental health treatment voucher system for incarcerated individuals. The bill aims to improve operational capacity and address critical health and human service needs in North Dakota while ensuring compliance with relevant requirements.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee: 50-06-06.6, 50-06-42, 50-24.5-02.3, 50-33-05
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 50-06-06.6, 50-06-42, 50-24.5-02.3, 50-33-05
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Committee: 50-06-06.6, 50-06-42, 50-24.5-02.3, 50-33-05, 50-36-03