All Roll Calls
Yes: 221 • No: 55
North DakotaSB 23902025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
AN ACT to create and enact three new sections to chapter 54-40.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a rural catalyst committee, grant program, and fund; to amend and reenact section 54-40.1-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions for regional planning councils; to provide an appropriation; and to provide for a transfer.
Sponsored By: Terry M. Wanzek (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New state fund for rural grants
The law creates the Rural Catalyst Fund in the state treasury. The Department of Commerce administers it. Money pays grants and committee or department travel and per diem. Half of non‑expense money must go to communities under 1,000 people. Interest earned stays in the fund. From July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027, $2.5 million moves into the fund, and $2.5 million is appropriated one time to Commerce for the program. Spending occurs as appropriated by the legislature.
Public project database and reports
The Department of Commerce must keep a public website showing each approved project’s data, status, and spending. By September 1 of each even‑numbered year, the department reports results to legislative management. The report lists projects requested and funded, matching dollars raised, and local impacts. The department also gives the report to the next assembly’s appropriations committees.
Rural grants committee and oversight
The law creates the Rural Catalyst Committee to guide and award grants. Members include the governor (chair), the commerce commissioner, two regional council appointees, two members‑at‑large, and one legislator. Non‑ex officio members serve four‑year terms. The committee meets at least twice a year to review Commerce’s recommendations and make awards, with priorities for finishing existing projects and rural quality‑of‑life work. The Department of Commerce runs the program and provides staff support. Non‑state‑employed members get $135 per day for meetings and duties. State‑employed members are reimbursed by their agency, and a legislator’s pay and travel come from the legislative council. The law also updates regional‑council definitions, including that “industry” includes agriculture and business and that a “member‑at‑large” represents county citizens.
Rural grants target small towns
Grants support arts and culture; community and economic development; education; and health and wellness. They can also preserve or reopen rural grocery stores in places with 4,500 or fewer people. Each project can receive up to $500,000. At least 50% of grant money must go to communities under 1,500 people.
Grants require local matching funds
To get a grant, applicants must provide nonstate matching funds. One rule requires $1 from nonstate sources for every $2 from the fund. The law also directs guidelines that set at least a $1‑for‑$1 match. Matches can be cash or in‑kind. Pledged matches can count for up to seven years.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Terry M. Wanzek
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Mike Beltz
Republican • House
Mike Brandenburg
Republican • House
Keith Kempenich
Republican • House
Janne Myrdal
Republican • Senate
Paul J. Thomas
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/29/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 42 nays 5
Yes: 42 • No: 5
House vote • 4/29/2025
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 72 nays 18
Yes: 72 • No: 18
House vote • 4/15/2025
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 68 nays 24
Yes: 68 • No: 24
Senate vote • 2/24/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 39 nays 8
Yes: 39 • No: 8
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 05/02
6/11/2025HouseSigned by Governor 05/02
5/2/2025SenateSent to Governor
5/1/2025SenateSigned by President
5/1/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
5/1/2025HouseSecond reading, passed as amended, yeas 72 nays 18
4/29/2025HouseConference committee report adopted
4/29/2025HouseReported back from conference committee, in place of, placed on calendar
4/29/2025HouseSecond reading, passed, yeas 42 nays 5
4/29/2025SenateConference committee report adopted
4/29/2025SenateReported back from conference committee, in place of, placed on calendar
4/29/2025SenateConference committee appointed Louser Fisher Longmuir
4/24/2025HouseConference committee appointed Dwyer Magrum Luick
4/23/2025SenateRefused to concur
4/23/2025SenateReturned to Senate (12)
4/15/2025SenateSecond reading, passed as amended, yeas 68 nays 24
4/15/2025HouseAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
4/15/2025HouseReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 23 0 0
4/14/2025HouseRereferred to Appropriations
4/4/2025HouseAmendment adopted
4/4/2025HouseReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 8 5 0
4/3/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 10:30
3/13/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions Committee
3/7/2025HouseReceived from Senate
2/25/2025HouseSecond reading, passed, yeas 39 nays 8
2/24/2025Senate
Bill Text
Adopted by the Conference Committee
Adopted by the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee
Enrollment
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
INTRODUCED
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Motschenbacher
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Dwyer
SECOND ENGROSSMENT
SECOND ENGROSSMENT with Conference Committee Amendments
SECOND ENGROSSMENT with House Amendments
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