The North Dakota Legislature convened a conference committee on April 25, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 2009, focusing primarily on funding for safety and security at the state fair. The meeting, led by Chairman Thomas, began with a roll call of committee members, confirming attendance from both the Senate and House representatives.

A significant point of contention was the proposed funding for safety and security infrastructure at the state fair. The House initially offered $600,000, while the Senate proposed $1 million. After discussions, the committee reached a consensus to increase the House's offer to $800,000, which will be provided as a straight grant rather than a matching fund. This decision reflects the committee's recognition of the state fair's importance to North Dakota's cultural landscape.

In addition to the funding discussion, the committee addressed the repeal of a section in the bill that previously prohibited state funding for maintenance items at the fair. The House's repeal of this section raised questions about whether such a change should be permanent or temporary. Some members expressed concerns about the implications of this repeal, suggesting that future discussions on funding maintenance would still be necessary regardless of the current decision.

The committee ultimately voted in favor of the amended bill, with all members supporting the motion. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for the collaborative efforts in reaching an agreement, highlighting the importance of the state fair and the need for adequate funding to ensure its safety and security.

As the committee moves forward, the approved funding and the repeal of the maintenance restriction will likely shape future discussions about state support for the fair, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue about balancing cultural heritage with fiscal responsibility.