The proposed bill amends North Dakota law to establish a new section in chapter 54-60 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on the funding and operation of regional planning councils. It requires these councils to prepare a biennial work plan that includes proposed actions, targeted outcomes, and an itemized budget, which must align with the region's comprehensive economic development strategy. The bill mandates that the work plan be approved by the council's executive board and submitted to the Department of Commerce, the governor, and relevant legislative members. Additionally, it stipulates that the Department of Commerce will provide funding to implement these plans, with specific restrictions on how the funds can be used.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for grants awarded to regional planning councils to support various state-authorized programs, including housing and workforce initiatives. The funding structure is designed to allocate fifty percent of appropriated funds equally among the eight regions, while the remaining fifty percent will be distributed based on a funding formula developed by the Department of Commerce and the association of regional councils. This legislative change aims to enhance regional development efforts and ensure that councils can effectively address local and regional needs.