This bill amends sections 4.1-01.1-07 and 4.1-01.1-08 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on the Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund and its governing committee. It establishes a continuing appropriation for the fund, which will be used for loan disbursements and grants aimed at supporting new or expanding value-added agriculture businesses. The bill specifies that the fund will consist of legislative appropriations, interest, and loan repayments, and it outlines the roles of the Bank of North Dakota and the agriculture commissioner in managing loans and grants. Notably, the bill includes new provisions allowing the agriculture diversification and development committee to use fund resources for in-state travel and related costs, as well as reimbursement for committee members' expenses.

Additionally, the bill revises the structure and responsibilities of the agriculture diversification and development committee, which consists of eleven members with specific qualifications. It mandates the committee to develop guidelines for grants, prioritizing businesses with majority ownership by North Dakota residents. The amendments also ensure that committee members are entitled to reimbursement for expenses and per diem compensation for their duties. Furthermore, the bill appropriates $15 million from the general fund to the agriculture diversification and development fund for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 4.1-01.1-07
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations Committee: 4.1-01.1-07
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 4.1-01.1-07
Adopted by the House Agriculture Committee: 4.1-01.1-07, 4.1-01.1-08
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee: 4.1-01.1-07, 4.1-01.1-08
Enrollment: 4.1-01.1-07, 4.1-01.1-08