The proposed bill outlines appropriations for the North Dakota university system for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with a total of $119,600,000 allocated for various projects. Key funding initiatives include $1,500,000 for dual-credit tuition scholarships, $10,676,150 for a healthcare workforce initiative, and increased grant funding for North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota from $5 million to $7.2 million. The bill also specifies the transfer of funds from the Bank of North Dakota to support scholarships and loan repayment programs, and it establishes a Higher Education Funding Review Committee to evaluate funding methods and report findings by September 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the issuance of bonds for capital projects, mandates matching funds for extraordinary repairs, and allows for exemptions on unexpended appropriations to carry over into the next biennium. It emphasizes the importance of project management oversight and expands eligibility for state aid payments and scholarship programs to include institutions like the University of Jamestown and the University of Mary. The bill aims to enhance the financial support and infrastructure of the North Dakota university system while addressing workforce needs through educational programs.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Committee: 6-09-53, 15-10-48, 15-10-48.2, 15-10-49, 15-10-75, 15-18.2-02, 15-18.2-03, 15-18.2-05, 15-54.1-02, 15-54.1-04, 15-62.4-01, 54-44.1-11
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 6-09-53, 15-10-48, 15-10-48.2, 15-10-49, 15-10-75, 15-18.2-02, 15-18.2-03, 15-18.2-05, 15-54.1-02, 15-54.1-04, 15-62.4-01, 54-44.1-11
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Wanzek: 6-09-53, 15-10-48, 15-10-48.2, 15-10-49, 15-10-75, 15-18.2-02, 15-18.2-03, 15-18.2-05, 15-54.1-02, 15-54.1-04, 15-62.4-01, 54-44.1-11
SECOND ENGROSSMENT: 6-09-53, 15-10-48, 15-10-48.2, 15-10-49, 15-10-75, 15-18.2-02, 15-18.2-03, 15-18.2-05, 15-54.1-02, 15-54.1-04, 15-62.4-01, 54-44.1-11