The 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 the associated 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 transfers, 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, new provisions allow the agriculture diversification and development committee to use fund resources for in-state travel and related costs, and the agriculture commissioner can reimburse committee members for these 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 bill also introduces provisions for committee members to be reimbursed for expenses and receive per diem compensation for their duties. Furthermore, it 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