This bill seeks to establish a new section in chapter 57-51 of the North Dakota Century Code, creating an "energy impact grant fund" aimed at providing financial support to hub cities affected by oil and gas development. It allocates up to twenty million dollars per fiscal year to this fund and modifies the existing allocation limits for the abandoned oil and gas well plugging and site reclamation fund, capping it at fifty million dollars after June 30, 2027. The bill also maintains current allocations to the North Dakota outdoor heritage fund and outlines a continuing appropriation, along with an exemption, effective and expiration dates for the new provisions.

Additionally, the bill amends the distribution of oil and gas tax revenues, increasing the initial deposit to the state general fund from $230 million to $250 million and adjusting other allocations accordingly. It specifies how revenues should be distributed among county treasurers, school districts, and incorporated cities, while excluding hub cities from certain distributions. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance funding mechanisms for local governments and educational institutions impacted by oil and gas activities, ensuring a structured approach to revenue allocation that addresses the financial needs arising from energy impacts in the state.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 57-51-15, 57-51.1-07.5
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations Committee: 57-51-15, 57-51.1-07.5
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 57-51-15, 57-51.1-07.5