Senate approves House Bill 11 99 to establish Missing Indigenous Peoples Task Force

House Bill 1,005, which outlines the budget for the state treasurer, was a focal point during the North Dakota Senate Floor Session on April 28, 2025. Senator Burkhart presented the bill, highlighting key amendments that included a $100,000 increase in salaries for treasurer staff to address equity concerns. This adjustment aims to align their pay with similar positions in other state agencies, as current salaries are reportedly $1,400 less than the starting pay for comparable roles.

The bill also proposed a reduction of $1 million in payments in lieu of taxes, a move justified by the committee's assessment that the initial estimates were higher than necessary. The committee emphasized that if funds fell short, the treasurer could seek additional appropriations in the future.

In a significant decision, the Senate adopted the proposed amendments to House Bill 1,005 with a strong vote of 47 in favor and 6 against, moving swiftly to the final passage of the bill. This budget approval is crucial for the state treasurer's office, which manages significant financial responsibilities.

Another notable discussion involved Senate Bill 23, which aims to provide oil-related impact debt relief to the hub cities of Dickinson, Minot, and Williston. The bill was amended to include a sunset date of June 30, 2037, limiting state debt relief to 58% of certified oil impact debt. This adjustment was made to address concerns about the allocation of funds and ensure that local political subdivisions are not adversely affected.

Additionally, the Senate passed House Bill 11,199, which establishes a task force to address the issue of missing indigenous people. This bill received overwhelming support, passing with a vote of 46 to 1, reflecting a commitment to tackling this urgent crisis.

Overall, the session underscored the legislature's focus on financial equity, local government support, and addressing critical social issues, setting the stage for continued discussions and actions in the coming sessions.