This bill provides an appropriation for the North Dakota agriculture commissioner to cover expenses for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It includes a detailed breakdown of funding allocations, such as $17,976,536 for salaries and wages, $8,014,256 for operating expenses, and $18,095,269 for grants, among others. Notably, the bill introduces a new line item for "Base Level Enhancements Appropriation" and specifies a total general fund allocation of $16,629,476. Additionally, it outlines various transfers from other funds, including $3,000,000 from the Bank of North Dakota for the agricultural products utilization fund and $8,057,927 from the environment and rangeland protection fund for various programs.

The bill also amends the salary of the agriculture commissioner, increasing it to $140,780 through June 30, 2026, and to $145,300 thereafter. It establishes guidelines for the use of one-time funding items and mandates reporting to the legislative assembly regarding their utilization. Furthermore, it includes provisions for matching funds for specific programs, such as the North Dakota trade office and the waterbank program, and declares an emergency for one of its sections. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the operational capacity of the agriculture commissioner while ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of funds.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations - Government Operations Division Committee: 4.1-01-02
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 4.1-01-02
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Wanzek: 4.1-01-02
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Conference Committee: 4.1-01-02
Enrollment: 4.1-01-02