This bill appropriates funds for the office of the Secretary of State in North Dakota for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It includes a total appropriation of $23,517,888, with $9,440,819 coming from the general fund. The bill outlines specific allocations for salaries, operating expenses, grants, and election reform, with notable increases in funding for election-related initiatives. Additionally, it establishes a new and vacant full-time equivalent (FTE) pool and allows for the transfer of funds between line items as needed.

The bill also amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code, primarily changing references from the "Secretary of State" to the "Legislative Council" in various contexts related to the publication and distribution of state laws. It modifies the salary structure for the Secretary of State, setting it at $139,256 through June 30, 2026, and increasing to $143,434 thereafter. Furthermore, it includes exemptions for certain appropriated funds from federal and strategic investment sources, allowing unexpended funds to be used for election management and technology enhancements during the specified biennium.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Committee: 46-03-11, 46-04-01, 46-04-03, 46-04-04, 46-04-10, 46-04-14, 46-04-18, 46-04-19, 54-09-05
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 46-03-11, 46-04-01, 46-04-03, 46-04-04, 46-04-10, 46-04-14, 46-04-18, 46-04-19, 54-09-05