[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6119174,"mediaKeyId","2713912-97eacb3c05535f29f1fbd94b34fd8e00","parentId",2713912,"title","Senator’s office and local advocates outline plan, fundraising model for Fargo National Cemetery enhancements and a $3M line-of-credit ask","audioSeconds",532,"startMs",5013000,"endMs",5545000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713912-97eacb3c05535f29f1fbd94b34fd8e00&start=5013&end=5545","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713912-97eacb3c05535f29f1fbd94b34fd8e00/thumbnail_5013000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6119174/North-Dakota/Senators-office-and-local-advocates-outline-plan-fundraising-model-for-Fargo-National-Cemetery-enhancements-and-a-3M-line-of-credit-ask","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119174-d9e970d1fb4e5a11c3001747a2d8f729/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174955&Signature=a7RyO7ZDLTlwBS-TDaJWSs7-~lcwL4OSN1zQZfaf6uozUsY4D4HI0pvQVuzWN5fXP~ZyZUg-nj1qlN-pMeBu-Inb0DnSupqSnB2aIWLbHDp414XIFai30YQU4io9WShXzFDRkqdPeperpidU4rFOFPkKnrsDV1WMlwkUsKZ9kE2MQ8crpuFj8A7knBabTQ6zb07Vh0aK4Tbk82Tb7Sg0DC2tuAY~OJoP1-QoMcFllfYoGLLghAuFBiahpzTmqOs1USh6T7xp00XTTjvsJ7Ax5TTFXlO5Sc36lV6UDysMJWj4u~ibAvmR-vY1F9J4N03fNMbjR9cEi2x8r6gRooELHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Dakota State Legislature","date","2025-03-20T00:00:00Z","article","Staff for U.S. Senator Jon Hoeven and local advocates briefed the House Government and Veterans Affairs committee on plans to enhance the Fargo National Cemetery and on a request for a state line of credit to help fund construction of a new shelter and supporting improvements.

Jessica Lee, Senator Hoeven’s state director, said the project is intended to provide burial-site facilities the Veterans Administration currently cannot fund under its standard program and that the design and construction would ultimately be donated to the VA for operation and maintenance. Lee said local fundraising has raised about $1.5 million; advocates are seeking up to a $3 million line-of-credit from the state to complete the facility, and the committee asked whether the state would be expected to replace the line later.

“As a gift from essentially the state and the private sector that’s raising the money to the Veterans Administration,” Lee said when asked how the funds would be treated. She explained that the line-of-credit approach was suggested to avoid obligating state dollars until the design and VA approvals are complete.

Why it matters: The cemetery serves veterans and their families in western and northern parts of the state and advocates say improved shelter, parking and restroom facilities are needed for ceremonies in inclement weather. Committee members asked about final design, acoustics and whether the project cost could exceed the requested amount, and requested finance staff to clarify whether a line of credit would result in an immediate appropriation or contingent obligation.

Committee direction: Members asked state finance staff to appear at a future meeting to explain how a line of credit would be treated; sponsors said the project remains contingent on VA approvals and ongoing private fundraising.

Next steps: No vote recorded; committee held the item to clarify the line-of-credit mechanics and construction oversight process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Government and Veterans Affairs Thursday, Mar 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senator Hoeven’s staff and local advocates described plans for improvements at the Fargo National Cemetery and asked the committee to consider a line-of-credit up to $3 million to help complete a design and construction package; the committee sought clarification on design, final costs and how the line would be recorded in state finances.","taxTitle","Government and Veterans Affairs, House of Representatives, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28892,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6119179,"Lawmakers debate $15M proposal for Cass County research park; sponsors propose $7.5M grant and $7.5M line of credit",814,3979000,4793000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713912-97eacb3c05535f29f1fbd94b34fd8e00&start=3979&end=4793","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713912-97eacb3c05535f29f1fbd94b34fd8e00/thumbnail_3979000.jpg","/articles/6119179/North-Dakota/Lawmakers-debate-15M-proposal-for-Cass-County-research-park-sponsors-propose-75M-grant-and-75M-line-of-credit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119179-4bdcb886f3d0504fa0364a0f492716a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174955&Signature=mUrvmapKO2kaFdoJic9hb4txfNwN44fwTxgXkTeYhejHttrs-CMYLsaVSVMdniuNjPNLC3FRA0rUuF0pKU8e2C170J7s6jnwOafgN7PJ6wHsjSALzxTHYavn7Ft-sjRhojt6WF1eBLR9Wd9uW1HLao9MeIjIdZwobV5QSRdfMyI7o36Xm3TevPynfxSN0GKuwDw4MNeG89VS9EkHDYevYj~4YoizIamz~JWc5oHa7gL2FFJ12uN30uoomQmI4YZUnUUHtDTmv6fWprcB9rOmdmVzklWP7R6QMqWjwyOxDkDEYDtw02CQvBB11-sIS~oaVHfpF3Al4mQXPBP8gZ5mBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A proposal to provide up to $15 million to support a Cass County research and technology park prompted questions about structure, oversight and fiscal risk when it came before the House Government and Veterans Affairs committee Wednesday.

Representative TJ Brown, who has been working with the park, described a potential compromise: a $7.5 million direct grant and a $7.5 million line of credit overseen by the state’s industry commission, with the industry commission evaluating performance milestones over two years before the second $7.5 million would be released or converted.

Brenda Weiland, CEO of the NDSU Research and Technology Park, described multiple revenue streams the park expects to develop: royalties from intellectual property, engineering contracts with global corporations and defense contractors, ground leases from tenants and incubator lease income. “There’s 4 listed revenue streams,” she told the committee, listing royalties, contracts, ground leases and lease income as business lines that would support the park.

Why it matters: Supporters said the park could create jobs and expand the state’s technology capacity; skeptics warned about committing large state dollars and asked for clarity on whether a line of credit would equate to an immediate appropriation or a later deficiency payment the state would guarantee.

Outstanding finance questions
- Several members asked legislative counsel and finance staff to clarify how a line-of-credit mechanism would be treated under state budgeting rules — whether the state would be on the hook immediately for the full $15 million or whether the line would be contingent and contingent upon later appropriations or milestone certification.

- Representative Veil and others asked whether a line of credit would effectively obligate the state for the full amount in future sessions via deficiency payments.

Committee directions: The committee held the item for additional legal and finance clarification and asked staff to bring a finance official to a later meeting to explain how a line of credit would operate in state budget practice. Several members supported the project’s potential economic impact but asked for protections for taxpayers if private fundraising did not match expectations.

Next steps: Sponsors said they and legislative counsel are preparing an amendment to reflect the grant/line-of-credit approach and would return once LC and finance staff have clarified the mechanics.","Committee members discussed a proposal for up to $15 million to support a research-and-technology park in Cass County. Sponsors proposed splitting the amount into a $7.5 million grant and a $7.5 million line of credit subject to performance milestones; members requested clarification on whether a line of credit commits state funds.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6119183,"Committee advances military-compatibility commission after split debate over duplication and information access",965,2295000,3260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713912-97eacb3c05535f29f1fbd94b34fd8e00&start=2295&end=3260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713912-97eacb3c05535f29f1fbd94b34fd8e00/thumbnail_2295000.jpg","/articles/6119183/North-Dakota/Committee-advances-military-compatibility-commission-after-split-debate-over-duplication-and-information-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119183-278929db806f959f4d115a6bb76da58f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174955&Signature=EMFAZnG9mlKfVBUSgfDGbLZayd2dEGoZAbSz8N5cFRkgyNbPkF6KrhIJWGmUHoIMOIKh49cSlm5okrIl8OZyXAayAwKS7Hf7GluvETxd3-yOsQjAveq4DY3p4kgfyYPhs8b~-pWP2DjrzHTYjLHx6y6iEyALx~QPCgswlw5ToIguJA0n3Q5VteMIrsaFEgvMzTBehkFksFjDogs4pDkgI86Hw2nwuDeR-~m23ym5FF67O71DlAKcvMLvhYIyAAN~bcuvVeVEyKMvqz3278~o1NJN4sB2XR7HHw0biOq5N9q3CPPzK8YCEVcU8SmkCq~YwpLAKn6pka0MSRbfGdQ~UA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Government and Veterans Affairs committee tentatively approved legislation on Wednesday to create a military compatibility commission intended to coordinate local government planning in military impact zones — but the measure drew sustained opposition from members who said it duplicates existing structures and could be ineffective if members lack access to the necessary military information.

Representative Vetter moved an amendment (labeled 4,002) that reshaped the bill’s membership; the amendment was adopted and the committee later approved a due-pass recommendation as amended. Under the revised language, the commission would include the agriculture commissioner or a designee, local-government representatives (on a volunteer basis) and an optional slot for the commander of each nearby military installation or the commander's designee.

Why it matters: The measure is aimed at improving communication between communities and military installations and to provide guidance on military compatibility practices in identified impact zones. Members noted the bill would put a statutory structure around a coordination role that some communities now handle informally.

Points from committee testimony and debate
- Supporters argued the commission would open formal channels of communication and could have prevented earlier problems in communities that experienced disputes relating to military-adjacent development.

- Opponents repeatedly said the bill duplicates existing relationships and that local zoning boards and existing military liaisons can address compatibility concerns. Representative Steiner said she would “resist this because we heard from a, retired general that there is a, military North Dakota Military Commission exists already,” adding that “the best practice is to put the military on the zoning boards.” Representative Wolff said he also opposed the measure and worried members “won’t have the classification to be able to to get some of the information they need from the air force base.”

- Several members noted the bill’s membership is voluntary for local jurisdictions and installation commanders, and supporters said voluntary participation reduces the risk of an overreaching state mandate.

Committee action and outcome
- Amendment 4,002 (membership and language changes including insertion of the ag commissioner/designee) was moved by Representative Vetter and seconded by Representative McLeod; the amendment passed by voice vote.
- The committee ultimately approved a due-pass recommendation as amended after a tied vote and a renewed motion; final roll-call tally recorded 9 yes, 5 no, 0 abstain.

Next steps: The bill will proceed to the next committee (clerk recorded final passage in committee) where appropriations, fiscal impact and any additional drafting concerns can be considered. Several members requested additional briefings or invited sponsors to return with clarifications about access to classified or sensitive military information if needed.","Lawmakers debated a bill creating a military compatibility commission that would advise communities near military installations. Supporters said it would improve communication; opponents said it duplicates existing local bodies and may have limited value if members lack access to necessary information.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":93,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6119188,"Government and Veterans Affairs committee advances auditor authority, IT and criminal bills; military-compatibility panel clears after extended debate",1742,1518000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713912-97eacb3c05535f29f1fbd94b34fd8e00&start=1518&end=3260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713912-97eacb3c05535f29f1fbd94b34fd8e00/thumbnail_1518000.jpg","/articles/6119188/North-Dakota/Government-and-Veterans-Affairs-committee-advances-auditor-authority-IT-and-criminal-bills-military-compatibility-panel-clears-after-extended-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119188-984550517a3445f07a0e0aae5e9a44cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174955&Signature=ZAzQYynLtcVmxlDVs~IPZmqxWy7WwaFDharUJUk7jH2Zv4WJ224DKkZyaldJMHpoZ3T25MVrgoRdwAY0pHf0H~exjJQ3SNYkzKW-NA9gim~uGUUOr3cNowbglA9e4gjMMKind-3q9RVxq-6UT27vc5iJEnXA0~9xvjkR4b0L8dlZfwbCFg97YVeq1M4kwINEDpYtyhrt8X5iD0yJGT0si3q-svoRZNIN1TAyGpadhxKIBpZ2V8FZaNnVgJm8dvyOZYPUm85ST38x0vk8EszKjAu94q~ANHBQOviKMzzsdW0yWAvJi26QUChQ7PC6MG7nGKEYfHVo2eY7xSzpGQpLIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Government and Veterans Affairs committee on Wednesday approved a package of measures that included a bill clarifying state auditor access to records, a change to how major IT projects are overseen and a short extension for a serious-injury definition — while narrowly sending a new military-compatibility commission to the next step after heated discussion.

The committee gave a “do pass” recommendation as amended to Senate Bill 2251, which clarifies how the state auditor handles requests for records submitted to the auditor. The committee also approved a measure that adjusts how major information-technology projects are administered and passed a proposal to lengthen a statutory window related to serious-injury definitions for certain prosecutions.

Why it matters: The bills affect how state oversight offices interact with agencies (auditor access), how the executive branch manages large IT projects, and the statutory time frame for a serious-injury finding — all areas that touch state operations, budgets and public transparency.

Key outcomes
- Senate Bill 2251 (auditor access): Committee approved a due-pass recommendation as amended and re-referred the bill to appropriations. Vote: 13 yes, 0 no, 1 absent/other. The committee adopted an amendment restoring the stronger wording (replacing “may” with “shall”) that the state auditor and several members said was important to preserve clear authority to inspect records.

- 23-98 (military compatibility commission): After debate and a tied vote that prompted further discussion and a new motion, the committee approved a due-pass recommendation as amended. Final recorded vote: 9 yes, 5 no, 0 absent. The bill creates a military compatibility commission with local representatives, an ag-commissioner member, and optional participation by commanders or designees from nearby installations; opponents voiced concerns about duplication of existing local processes and access to military information.

- 20-49 (IT projects, major-IT oversight adjustments): Approved, recorded vote 13 yes, 0 no, 1 absent. Sponsors described the bill as updating oversight of major IT projects and reducing duplication.

- 22-33 (extension for serious-injury reporting/definition): Approved, recorded vote 11 yes, 0 no, 3 absent. The committee moved it forward on a due-pass recommendation.

What members said
- State Auditor Josh Galien warned about weakening language in the auditor bill: “When you have the word may, that really creates option ... they could point back to this and say, well, it says you may look at them,” and asked that the stronger language be restored.

- Opponents of the military-compatibility bill raised concerns about overlap with existing local efforts and access to potentially sensitive information. Representative Steiner said she would “resist this because we heard from a, retired general that there is a, military North Dakota Military Commission exists already,” arguing that the bill duplicates existing mechanisms. Representative Wolff raised concerns about whether committee members would have access to all necessary information: “I’m worried about them not being able to get the information they need to be effective.”

Next steps
- Bills approved with do-pass recommendations will be re-referred to the appropriate next committees (for example, SB 2251 was re-referred to appropriations). Several measures that drew questions about funding or legal language were held for additional technical review or for follow-up with agencies and legislative counsel.

Votes at a glance (from committee record)
- Senate Bill 2251 (auditor access): Motion — due pass as amended; mover: Representative Vetter; second: Representative Van Winkle; tally 13-0-1; re-referred to Appropriations.
- 23-98 (military compatibility commission, amended): Motion — due pass (after second motion and revote); mover on final motion: Vice Chair Satrim; second: Representative Vetter; tally 9-5-0.
- 20-49 (IT oversight changes): Motion — due pass; mover: Representative Sanders; second: Representative Veil; tally 13-0-1.
- 22-33 (extension for serious-injury reporting/definition): Motion — due pass; mover: Vice Chair Satrim; second: Representative Beo; tally 11-0-3.

Meeting context: The committee spent substantial time on several bills that required technical clarifications from legislative counsel and agency witnesses; several items were held for follow-up with finance/appropriations staff (notably bills involving lines of credit or state funding).","The House Government and Veterans Affairs committee voted on multiple bills Wednesday, advancing legislation on state auditor authority, IT project oversight and a criminal-definition change and sending a contested military-compatibility commission bill forward after extended debate and a second vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senator’s office and local advocates outline plan, fundraising model for Fargo National Cemetery enhancements and a $3M line-of-credit ask

Lawmakers debate $15M proposal for Cass County research park; sponsors propose $7.5M grant and $7.5M line of credit

Committee advances military-compatibility commission after split debate over duplication and information access

Government and Veterans Affairs committee advances auditor authority, IT and criminal bills; military-compatibility panel clears after extended debate