The bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to disaster or emergency response and recovery costs, the authority to spend funds from the state disaster relief fund, and the uses of that fund. Key changes include the provision that the governor may apply for a grant from the state disaster relief fund or other approved funds to cover response and recovery costs following a disaster declaration. Additionally, the office of the adjutant general is granted authority to spend available funds from the state disaster relief fund, alongside federal funds, to support recovery efforts after a major disaster is declared.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a state disaster relief fund within the state treasury, which is designated for covering the state’s share of expenses related to emergency response operations, federal disaster response, and recovery efforts. The fund will also be used for reimbursing costs as specified in the law. Before any expenditures are made from this fund, the responsible agency must inform the legislative appropriation committees or the budget section about the purpose and payee of the expenditure, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of these funds.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 37-17.1-22, 37-17.1-23, 37-17.1-27
Enrollment: 37-17.1-22, 37-17.1-23, 37-17.1-27
INTRODUCED: 37-17.1-22, 37-17.1-23, 37-17.1-27