The proposed bill aims to provide an appropriation for the Department of Environmental Quality in North Dakota, covering expenses for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It includes a detailed breakdown of funding, with a total appropriation of $132,015,373, which consists of various allocations for salaries, operating expenses, capital assets, and grants. Notably, the bill introduces a new section for one-time funding items totaling $5,438,386, which will be reported to the appropriations committees of the seventieth legislative assembly. This funding is earmarked for projects such as moving to a new chemistry laboratory and equipment for an emerging contaminants program.

Additionally, the bill amends section 23.1-13-16 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to inspection fees for motor vehicle fuels. The amendment changes the allocation of collected fees, directing them to the Department of Environmental Quality operating fund instead of the general fund. The funds will be used for the state fuel inspection program, subject to legislative appropriations. This change aims to ensure that the fees collected are specifically utilized for enhancing the state's fuel inspection efforts.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Davison: 23.1-13-16
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 23.1-13-16
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations - Human Resources Division Committee: 23.1-13-16