This bill provides an appropriation for the expenses of 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 funding amount 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, including a significant investment of $9,227,814 for election-related initiatives. Additionally, it allows for a transfer of up to $600,000 from the general fund to the election fund to match federal funds, and it specifies one-time funding for various 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 relation to the publication and distribution of state laws. Notable amendments include the adjustment of the Secretary of State's salary structure, which will increase to $139,256 through June 30, 2026, and to $143,434 thereafter. Furthermore, the bill exempts certain appropriations from the state fiscal recovery fund and the strategic investment and improvements fund from specific budgetary restrictions, allowing for the use of unexpended funds 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
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