The North Dakota House Appropriations Committee convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss the budget overview for the 2023-2025 legislative period, focusing on funding for education and environmental initiatives. The meeting highlighted the commission's current budget of approximately $1.14 million, which includes new funding allocations and requests for additional resources.

Key discussions centered around the commission's financial status, including a notable change in Senate Bill 2015 that reallocated funds for employer retirement contributions. The commission also participated in the Office of Management and Budget's internship program, which was essential for hiring a legislative intern during the session. Despite the tight budget, the commission anticipates a minor turn back of around $2,000.

The committee noted that the previous legislative session had successfully addressed a significant deficit, allowing the commission to meet its operational needs. For the upcoming 2025-2027 budget, the commission is requesting approximately $1.8 million, which includes funding for an additional full-time employee (FTE) to enhance educational outreach and communication efforts.

The proposed new FTE, designated as the education and communication administrator, aims to develop educational materials and training programs to improve public understanding of the ethics commission's role. This position is seen as crucial for fostering transparency and ethical governance in North Dakota. The commission emphasized the need for effective communication with citizens and training for officials under its oversight to navigate the complexities of ethical decision-making.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the commission's commitment to enhancing its educational initiatives and the importance of adequate funding to support these efforts. The committee will review the detailed budget requests and consider the implications for future appropriations as they move forward.