[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",6100931,"mediaKeyId","2810850-28db1c69b71f6a6f2ff66526ff2f9625","parentId",2810850,"title","Committee amends retirement/legacy funding and expands infrastructure loan access","audioSeconds",2312,"startMs",5851000,"endMs",8163000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2810850-28db1c69b71f6a6f2ff66526ff2f9625&start=5851&end=8163","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2810850-28db1c69b71f6a6f2ff66526ff2f9625/thumbnail_5851000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6100931/North-Dakota/Committee-amends-retirementlegacy-funding-and-expands-infrastructure-loan-access","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100931-8524680e26d6621c822c8d3ca5b8d2f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453523&Signature=bYLxwvHTqbnJ0Dw5c~Y7tBGyXUh-ypOpS4ik2Bak5sv6KGOgDOxILDgV9X71c9eXuliTjRrOPgCxdXyMV0-cqGkJCf1GCgQOL3CvFMPNwwZZmZ2PgHO6B4h-2UR10KW3Vo96Ps0YDufaLT5rBK8yaJhNnRtofYikaAUveUh8dfGV6KjQ2PKkPrc~a7rmN9UaVcEvUbMWONBVOqimX6f2HC1lUv8UQxESTU1AbNl2Mlffe6o-cVUT~x~ni2MKZAl9CA0bj28nMTSlcw2fDloxG-ZMdkYBVWrJczjNUuPCw5l-hsvbTkd6WQPHWzH69vTRELcKBNe6yWnBoSAIEYTGRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Dakota Legislature","date","2025-03-28T00:00:00Z","article","The Appropriations Committee adopted multiple amendments affecting the state’s retirement funding plan and the Legacy Fund’s in-state investment flexibility.

Senator Davidson moved an amendment that adjusts how the Strategic Investment Fund and an existing $65 million oil-stream appropriation will be used to provide a $90 million cash step-down to the Public Employees Retirement System. Derek Holbein, chief operating and financial officer of PERS, told the committee the $90 million in combined deposits would meet the minimum needed for the next biennium to avoid charging employers the additional actuarially determined employer contribution (ADEC) percentage that would otherwise increase agency payroll costs.

Holbein explained the difference between the larger one-time amounts discussed in prior work and the amendment’s more limited lump-sum approach: ‘‘What you're essentially saying is that instead of charging every state agency 6.02% as a contribution increase as a percent of pay, you're going to do this lump sum deposit instead of charging that additional 6.02%.’’ He added that the $90 million keeps the plan on the previously set funding path and that a larger deposit would only reduce future payments further.

Committee members noted that the $65 million oil-stream contribution is contingent on cash flows and may not be recognized by actuaries until it is actually deposited. The amendment states legislative intent that the $25 million from the Strategic Investment Fund together with the $65 million oil bucket be applied in lieu of charging the ADEC during the upcoming biennium; Holbein said the actuary is reviewing whether the contingent $65 million can be counted in the same way.

On the Legacy Fund and infrastructure side, the committee approved an amendment that increases the authorized in-state-investment access for infrastructure-related loans. Kelvin Hollett of the Bank of North Dakota explained that the Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund makes low-interest loans to political subdivisions for projects such as streets, sewer and other public infrastructure; when the IRLF reaches its current limit, loans can be packaged into the Legacy Fund’s fixed-income sleeve. The amendment increases the maximum that may be accessed in that sleeve by $50,000,000 to provide additional liquidity for local loans if demand exceeds the IRLF balance.

Committee members voted to adopt the package of amendments and then recommended a due pass for House Bill 12 34 as amended; the amendment votes and the final due-pass were recorded in roll calls.

Ending

Senators asked staff and agency officials to monitor how contingent deposits are handled by the actuary and to report on the outcomes in advance of future rate calculations; sponsors said they expect to reconvene on implementation details if the funding streams do not behave as projected.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Appropriations Mar 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Appropriations Committee adopted amendments to House Bill 12 34 and related language that adjust lump-sum deposits to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), clarify intent on avoiding actuarially determined employer charges, and expand the Legacy Fund loan access for infrastructure projects by $50 million.","taxTitle","Appropriations, Senate, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28312,"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},6100937,"Committee trims county fair grant request, adds matching rules and emergency clause",764,922000,1686000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2810850-28db1c69b71f6a6f2ff66526ff2f9625&start=922&end=1686","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2810850-28db1c69b71f6a6f2ff66526ff2f9625/thumbnail_922000.jpg","/articles/6100937/North-Dakota/Committee-trims-county-fair-grant-request-adds-matching-rules-and-emergency-clause","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100937-11e7629fc373aa84229a239393f016c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453523&Signature=PLYv9KUhThP2zNW-ePjoQzQgWzo6poo85TQIyVku5-nl60Ypp8i9EY9m4z-LrmP1kKhR30UqRD-CktNUekiwUwh0N82L5XABD52y8T2n~0bmP1naSIL0yKBXLb7LuXgYX7i5qJv~0Gr4QDbAoBq~mLZS-giYyLghF2vhVMj0i4CZeKhuOYxrvpGDTvxA2FpMFzFyUwwwAdhW9X~gqKWHzmIlcUtRFsaTIdHLDXM5Zg~b8ZC9L6u~KAEYSew9NKs5WoABxgsn~qPV34-lMgYoMz~Em7TgC6m3hQF6-B1RivhPjrhtkOmnGO89UBkPgmQZUfgv8MMUvgZt0uK5eISZtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Appropriations Committee amended House Bill 15 91 to reduce the state’s initial funding request for county fair infrastructure and to set grant administration and matching rules. The committee also approved an emergency clause so funds could be available sooner if projects qualify.

A committee member said the amendment reduces the original request (discussed at $3,000,000 in prior testimony) to a smaller statewide allocation; witnesses and sponsoring senators explained the change reflected a desire to pilot the program and evaluate demand. The Agriculture Department will administer the grants; the agriculture commissioner will create guidelines for distribution, including matching requirements and allowance for in-kind contributions such as volunteer labor or donated trades work.

Under the amended guidelines described to the committee, recipients must provide matching funds from non-state sources at a ratio commonly described as $1 of local match for up to $2 of grant funding; smaller fairs may be permitted a 2-to-1 match or other adjusted match under the commissioner’s criteria. The amendment allows in-kind contributions — for example, volunteer electrician or plumbing work — to count toward the match.

Committee members discussed the per-project award level, which remained at $100,000 in the bill language. Supporters said $100,000 plus matching funds would allow meaningful projects in smaller counties, while opponents warned the fund could be exhausted quickly if demand grows. The motion to reduce the overall request and adopt matching language passed on a roll call announced as “Motion passed 15 0 1.”

Senator Davidson moved a further amendment to add an emergency clause so eligible fairs could receive funds this summer; the committee approved the emergency-clause amendment by roll call (announced as \"Motion passed 15 0 1\"). The committee then voted to recommend a due pass as amended.

Ending

Sponsors said they expect the Agriculture Commissioner to work with local fairs to develop criteria, and the program will be reviewed in the next biennium to assess demand and consider future funding.","The Appropriations Committee reduced the initial county fair infrastructure grant request, added matching and in-kind rules, approved an emergency clause and forwarded House Bill 15 91 with a do-pass recommendation.",{"_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},6100942,"Appropriations panel approves $50,000 to produce OBGYN legal-medical education video",396,139000,535000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2810850-28db1c69b71f6a6f2ff66526ff2f9625&start=139&end=535","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2810850-28db1c69b71f6a6f2ff66526ff2f9625/thumbnail_139000.jpg","/articles/6100942/North-Dakota/Appropriations-panel-approves-50000-to-produce-OBGYN-legal-medical-education-video","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100942-6102eb0e769310d389c7dae43bfb51a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453523&Signature=jnSnJzNge0RLc34PHGCqGHN60gOEGdv1eA1II~KDwZSx8nz8qkKEJMyJ7uzXfxG6igRW8YQhp2-iQOb-Gtrm100nsmrMEwYBv5D9TVTVG8V1GeZBLLQRyprQT6TIj1fXywEfiDmJ9JA4lDVwZDG-WOdc5W5x5avuti7iDmUIIHKbeTxsyO456fCVzuvrJ4MM81-En8fvCzfK-YpmUyKSMx2Y-73Cw6fwczL1BMFRge2gJAKaDKKUDenciSffuTNNhehh4pcm1dm2ZkRDO1iszHodWa-ykOsytOKpLseqrftDGngPtgdCfVJ31ufmtiSXlQphTi6~gVVO-mtuvxhpPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The State Senate Appropriations Committee recommended a due pass for House Bill 15 11, approving a $50,000 appropriation to develop an instructional video for obstetricians and gynecologists on the legal and medical ramifications of stillbirths and related cases.

Senator Conley, speaking for the bill, said the proposal would fund production of a 45- to 60-minute video that combines legal and medical content. Committee discussion focused on whether medical schools already provide the training and whether the video duplicates existing materials. Supporters said existing videos are shorter (five to 10 minutes) and that the proposed product would be more comprehensive and include legal guidance.

The appropriation was broken down in committee testimony as roughly $15,000 for physician and attorney research and development, about $23,000 for production, and $5,000 for website upkeep and other fees, totaling $50,000. Committee members noted that the bill text lists $50,000 “or so much as may be needed,” which could allow actual spending below the maximum if costs are lower.

Senator Clary questioned language in the bill that appears to refer to physician exceptions for abortion, asking why the statute would include permission language when abortion is restricted under state law. A committee member responded that the video is intended to explain exceptions — for example, treatment of ectopic pregnancy or cases where the mother’s life is at risk.

After discussion, Senator Wanzek moved a due pass on House Bill 15 11; the motion was seconded by Senator Burkhart. The recorded vote on the bill was announced as “Motion passed 13 2 1.”

Ending

Sponsors said the bill will return to policy committees for final policy review; the appropriations vote was limited to the funding request. The committee’s recommendation advances the $50,000 appropriation to the next stage.","The committee recommended a due pass for House Bill 15 11, which would appropriate $50,000 to produce a 45–60 minute instructional video for obstetricians and gynecologists covering legal and medical issues related to stillbirth and death.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6100947,"Appropriations panel advances multiple bills, approves amendments and emergency clause",8914,9000,8923000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2810850-28db1c69b71f6a6f2ff66526ff2f9625&start=9&end=8923","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2810850-28db1c69b71f6a6f2ff66526ff2f9625/thumbnail_9000.jpg","/articles/6100947/North-Dakota/Appropriations-panel-advances-multiple-bills-approves-amendments-and-emergency-clause","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100947-719a9c0c6e298a1f111751934b526168/orig.mp4?Expires=1770453523&Signature=mqRVlKLl-jaGi65rZOpRrXQgO02grYkniMJGUtoBGk33-E3hEJSSeQGZNZFs2cnCJUvm1aO5MguBlXkuAVBUNjnXuGEx4B0Ms1wJijIous-0IhIFjybn11kZLMGsAcE2xdZNUFRHanOK-0PUUz5-Z9ja-3LGDVFMEy2R5OP3DmTFV0G~2TEfwQVBz6DIt0bIEwbhO1EyP9el9KVFEvOo~fHo0GmVYUfYmkBcJFVx5~xuznSBfi1Z0rA7C-dN7zT8bu6PJXksCbQ7v3Wb58HVB4FtzKir0viH4hm-hhC8~iMOsX6iGQjSsREyD61WJhwOTCoaOOZ2S3ehMsDiz-sMeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Appropriations Committee Chair and members advanced a slate of bills, approving amendments and sending measures back to policy or to the floor for further action.

The committee passed or amended a series of bills that fund agency operations, targeted grants and studies. Several amendments were adopted to clarify language, change funding levels or add emergency clauses before senators voted to give the bills a “do pass” recommendation.

The votes matter because they move spending and policy items to the next stage of consideration in the Legislature. Amendments adopted on the committee floor adjusted technical language in appropriations and changed funding levels for several programs.

On roll calls, clerks announced vote tallies after division discussion. The committee recorded several unanimous or near-unanimous outcomes and used reconsideration and further amendments on a small number of bills.

Votes at a glance

- House Bill 1017 (as amended): Motion to adopt amendment and subsequent due-pass as amended passed (vote announced as “Motion passed 15 0 1”). Clerk announced tally on final due-pass as amended as “Motion passed 15 0 1.”
- House Bill 1511: Policy bill with $50,000 appropriation for a physician/legal education video; due-pass motion passed 13-2-1.
- House Bill 1591 (county fair infrastructure grants): Amendment reduced the initial request and established matching rules and in-kind matching options; emergency clause was added; due-pass as amended passed 15-0-1.
- House Bill 1008 (Public Service Commission budget): Amendment adopting equity and professional development funding was moved and passed; committee recommended due pass (vote recorded 15-0-1).
- House Bill 1106 (state aid for public transit): Added $2,000,000 to the state aid for public transit fund; due pass motion passed 15-0-1 and will return to Transportation Committee.
- House Bill 1487 (BCI building in Minot): Committee moved a due pass; the motion passed 13-2-1 after questions about cost estimates and site selection.
- House Bill 1025 (legislative study on advanced nuclear energy): Committee approved $300,000 for a study to examine nuclear deployment and storage policy; motion passed 13-1.
- House Bill 1234 / 1022 (retirement/legacy fund and infrastructure loan assistance): The committee adopted multiple amendments addressing lump-sum deposits to the Public Employees Retirement System, use of legacy fund resources, and expanded access for the Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund; motions for amendment and due-pass as amended carried by recorded votes.

Clerk calls and roll-call records were used for all formal actions. Several bills will go back to policy committees or to the floor as appropriate.

Ending

Committee members said they expect more appropriations work next week and announced scheduling details for future meetings and committee photos. The bulk of the day’s decisions now move into the next legislative steps, including conference or floor action where applicable.","The State Senate Appropriations Committee cleared a package of budget and policy bills after votes and amendments, including funding for county fair grants, public transit, the Public Service Commission and several agency budgets. Several measures passed with unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls; three items were amended before approval.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee amends retirement/legacy funding and expands infrastructure loan access

Committee trims county fair grant request, adds matching rules and emergency clause

Appropriations panel approves $50,000 to produce OBGYN legal-medical education video

Appropriations panel advances multiple bills, approves amendments and emergency clause