Committee approves Senate Bill 2019 with unanimous votes

In a decisive move during the House Appropriations meeting on April 10, 2025, the committee unanimously approved an amendment to Senate Bill 2019, signaling strong support for the proposed changes. The amendment, introduced by Representative Richter, received a resounding 22-0 vote, with one member absent.

The discussion highlighted the absence of additional full-time employees (FTEs) in the Agriculture Commissioner's budget, a point clarified by Richter in response to inquiries from Representative Nelson. Richter emphasized that the existing Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers are effectively managing their responsibilities without the need for extra staffing.

Following the amendment's approval, Richter moved for the bill to pass as amended, which also garnered unanimous support from the committee members. The swift passage reflects a collaborative spirit among lawmakers as they navigate the legislative session.

As the committee continues its work, the approval of Senate Bill 2019 marks a significant step forward in addressing agricultural education and resources in North Dakota. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential implementation of the bill's provisions.