North DakotaSB 22762025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 61-16.1-11, 61-16.1-15.1, and 61-16.1-59 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the joint exercise of powers of joint water resource boards, mandating the formation of joint water resource boards for projects affecting two or more counties, and proceedings to confirm special actions.

Sponsored By: Larry Luick (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Cross-county landowners face water project assessments

When reassessing an existing project, a district may find that property in another county benefits. It must notify the other district that a joint board is required. If that district refuses, the reassessing district must continue and include the benefiting property in the project's assessment district. Affected landowners may appeal the reassessment. The law does not set their assessment amounts.

Counties must share water project boards

Districts must form a joint water board before building or assessing property for projects located in or benefiting multiple counties. Each district must have an equal number of board members. The law ends required board membership for the Red River, James River, Mouse River, Missouri River, and Devils Lake basins. It also removes special county authority to approve levies of up to two mills for those basin boards. Separate authority remains for member districts to levy up to two mills on taxable real property within the joint agreement's basin or region.

Water boards gain project enforcement tools

For multi-county projects, boards or districts must find a need and benefits greater than costs before proceeding. After a successful assessment vote, they build, own, operate, and maintain the project and manage its assessment district. County auditors must levy directed assessments; boards or districts can seek a court order if an auditor refuses. A winning board or district must receive court costs and reasonable legal fees. Boards can also seek court action when another board in the same river basin refuses to meet or cooperate in good faith; courts may award reasonable legal fees and costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Larry Luick

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 184 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/21/2025

Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0

Yes: 47 • No: 0

House vote • 4/16/2025

Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 90 nays 1

Yes: 90 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/10/2025

Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0

Yes: 47 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Filed with Secretary Of State 04/25

    4/26/2025House
  2. Signed by Governor 04/24

    4/24/2025Senate
  3. Sent to Governor

    4/23/2025Senate
  4. Signed by President

    4/23/2025Senate
  5. Signed by Speaker

    4/23/2025House
  6. Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0

    4/21/2025Senate
  7. Concurred

    4/21/2025Senate
  8. Returned to Senate (12)

    4/16/2025Senate
  9. Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 90 nays 1

    4/16/2025House
  10. Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

    4/16/2025House
  11. Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 11 0 2

    4/15/2025House
  12. Committee Hearing 09:00

    3/20/2025House
  13. Introduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources Committee

    2/18/2025House
  14. Received from Senate

    2/11/2025House
  15. Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0

    2/10/2025Senate
  16. Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 6 0 0

    2/7/2025Senate
  17. Committee Hearing 09:15

    2/6/2025Senate
  18. Rereferred to Agriculture and Veterans Affairs

    1/29/2025Senate
  19. Request return from committee

    1/29/2025Senate
  20. Introduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources Committee

    1/20/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrollment

  • INTRODUCED

  • Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Luick

  • SENATE BILL NO. 2276 with House Amendments

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