This bill introduces a new section to chapter 57-51 of the North Dakota Century Code, establishing an energy impact grant fund and amending existing sections related to the allocation of oil and gas gross production tax revenues. The legislation significantly revises the allocation structure, including the deletion of specific allocations to hub cities and hub city school districts, which will no longer receive certain distributions. Instead, the new energy impact grant fund will be funded through oil and gas tax allocations and is designed to provide grants specifically to hub cities like Williston, Dickinson, and Minot, ensuring they receive financial support for the impacts of energy production.

Additionally, the bill modifies the initial deposit to the state general fund, increasing it from $230 million to $250 million, and establishes temporary exemptions for allocations to the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund and the Oil and Gas Research Fund for specified periods. The new provisions require hub cities to use grant funding for debt repayments and other expenses related to oil and gas development. The effective date for these changes is set for after August 31, 2025, aiming to streamline funding processes while addressing the needs of communities affected by energy production in North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 57-51-15, 57-51.1-07.5