The North Dakota Conference Committee convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 2256, focusing on funding for the Research Technology Park. All committee members were present, and the meeting began with a roll call led by Chairman Swobog.

During the session, Chairman Swobog acknowledged the lengthy discussions surrounding the bill, which has undergone significant changes. He expressed a preference for a $10 million allocation without a matching requirement, but this proposal was met with resistance from the House representatives. They firmly maintained their stance on a $5 million grant paired with a $5 million match, emphasizing the importance of this structure for the bill's success.

Senator Thomas highlighted the critical nature of the legislation and its potential benefits for the state, advocating for the acceptance of the House amendments. Following a motion to concur with the House's decision, the committee voted unanimously in favor of the amendments.

The committee concluded that while the final version of the bill may not have met all initial expectations, it represents a positive step forward in the current legislative environment. Senator Wolgamott was designated to carry the bill back to the Senate for further consideration. The meeting ended with expressions of gratitude for the committee's efforts, despite the limited number of meetings held.