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 outlines a total budget of $23,517,888, which includes salaries, operating expenses, grants, and election reform initiatives. Notably, the bill introduces a new "Base Level Enhancements Appropriation" for various budget categories, including a significant allocation of $9,227,814 for election reform. Additionally, it specifies a transfer of up to $600,000 from the general fund to the election fund to match federal funds, and it includes one-time funding for election-related technology enhancements.

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. This includes amendments to sections concerning the official distribution of state laws, the duties of the legislative council, and the management of session laws and codifications. Furthermore, the salary of the Secretary of State is adjusted, with a new annual salary of $139,256 through June 30, 2026, and $143,434 thereafter. The bill also provides exemptions for certain appropriated funds from federal and strategic investment sources, allowing for their use in specific election-related projects without being subject to standard fiscal regulations.

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
Enrollment: 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