The North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss significant funding proposals for a new state hospital. Central to the meeting was a debate over the proposed budget of $100 million, which some senators argued lacked sufficient justification.

Senator Matherne highlighted concerns regarding the previous recommendation of $40 million for the hospital project, stating that it was not based on a thorough structural assessment or cost-benefit analysis. He emphasized that the existing facility, built over a century ago, served a different purpose than the modern hospital being proposed. The original hospital aimed to isolate individuals from their communities, whereas the new facility is intended to focus on rehabilitation and wellness.

The discussion revealed a divide among senators regarding the necessity and financial rationale behind the proposed funding. Some senators suggested that the current proposal mirrors the flawed reasoning of past funding attempts. They argued that the amendment proposed by Senator Matherne, which seeks to halt the project, should instead allocate funds for planning and design for future consideration, or even propose a budget of zero to effectively close the state hospital.

Senator Matherne has long advocated for providing behavioral health services within local communities rather than centralizing them in a state hospital. However, other senators countered that the state hospital plays a critical role in the overall behavioral health system, serving a population that differs from those receiving care in community-based settings.

The committee's discussions underscored the complexities of funding a new state hospital, with senators questioning the feasibility of constructing a 96-bed facility at a significantly lower cost than previously estimated for a larger hospital. The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency regarding the need for a comprehensive approach to behavioral health services in North Dakota, as the debate over the future of the state hospital continues.