All Roll Calls
Yes: 224 • No: 4
North DakotaHB 15922025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 54-17.5-01, 54-17.5-02, 54-17.5-03, 54-17.5-04, and 54-17.5-06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the appointments, operations, and powers of the lignite research council, the powers of the industrial commission, and public record exemptions.
Sponsored By: Anna S. Novak (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Grants for lignite projects with 50% match
The Industrial Commission can make grants, loans, and other help for lignite projects. The Lignite Research Council recommends which awards to approve. Projects must raise private matching money equal to at least 50% of total cost. Priority goes to projects that keep or create jobs, grow production in coal counties, and can sell products soon. Projects must pass independent technical review and get a favorable council recommendation.
More ways to fund lignite projects
The Industrial Commission can borrow up to $6 million from the Bank of North Dakota for up to five years without a reserve fund. It can accept grants and other contributions, including from federal agencies. It can issue and sell debt to fund projects and cover issuance costs, and later refinance. The Commission can pledge project or program revenues to repay debt.
Stronger confidentiality for project info
If you apply for funding, you can ask the Commission to keep trade secrets and proprietary data confidential. You must file a request that explains what the info is, why secrecy has value, who could benefit from disclosure, and how you protect it. The Commission decides if it qualifies. If it does not, you have 10 days to ask for the material back or it becomes public. The names of independent technical reviewers and individual council members who make recommendations are also confidential.
Lignite Council membership and meetings
The council has 26 members: 24 appointed by the governor from set stakeholder groups, plus 2 lawmakers. The governor picks from a list and can ask for a new list. Governor‑appointed members serve at the governor’s pleasure. The council elects leaders and an executive committee. It meets at least twice a year. Any three members can trigger a special meeting, and a majority is a quorum. The Industrial Commission must meet regularly with the council, get written recommendations, and allow policy review. Legislator members get per diem and travel pay as provided by law. Governor‑appointed members are exempt from one state public‑records rule.
Commission can hire, record, and regulate
The Industrial Commission can sign contracts, including hiring outside administrators for the program. It must keep accurate records of all financial transactions under this law. The Commission can make and enforce rules and orders to run the program.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Anna S. Novak
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Dick Anderson
Republican • House
Jeremy Olson
Republican • House
Bill Tveit
Republican • House
Keith Boehm
Republican • Senate
Greg Kessel
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/9/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 88 nays 3
Yes: 88 • No: 3
Senate vote • 4/1/2025
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 45 nays 1
Yes: 45 • No: 1
House vote • 2/11/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 91 nays 0
Yes: 91 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/16
4/21/2025HouseSigned by Governor 04/16
4/18/2025HouseSent to Governor
4/15/2025HouseSigned by Speaker
4/15/2025HouseSigned by President
4/14/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 88 nays 3
4/9/2025HouseConcurred
4/9/2025HouseReturned to House (12)
4/2/2025HouseSecond reading, passed as amended, yeas 45 nays 1
4/1/2025SenateAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
3/31/2025SenateReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 7 0 0
3/28/2025SenateCommittee Hearing 03:00
3/6/2025SenateIntroduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources Committee
2/13/2025SenateReceived from House
2/12/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 91 nays 0
2/11/2025HouseReported back, do pass, placed on consent calendar 10 0 3
2/6/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 09:00
2/6/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources Committee
1/20/2025House
Bill Text
Enrollment
HOUSE BILL NO. 1592 with Senate Amendments
INTRODUCED
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Novak
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