All Roll Calls
Yes: 138 • No: 1
North DakotaSB 22992025 Regular SessionSenate
AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 54-10-14, subsection 1 of section 54-10-15, and sections 61-35-09 and 61-35-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to oversight of water districts.
Sponsored By: Bob Paulson (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New election rules for water districts
County auditors run water district board elections in the county where most of the district lies. All elections under chapter 61-35 are conducted and canvassed like county officer elections, and members can observe voting and counting. District bylaws must let candidates get on the ballot with a petition signed by 10 participating members, filed at least 45 days before the election or by the mailed-ballot deadline. Nominations open 30 days before the election and stay open through election day. Vacant seats are filled by appointment or a county-run special election until the next annual meeting, when members elect someone to finish the term.
Stronger audits for water districts
The State Auditor now audits water districts under chapter 61-35 every two years. The Western Area Water Supply Authority’s industrial water sales are audited each year. An audit can also start when at least 35% of the electors who voted at the last annual meeting, or 300 participating members, sign a petition, whichever is fewer. These audits increase fiscal oversight but do not change household taxes or fees.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Bob Paulson
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Dan Ruby
Republican • House
Lori VanWinkle
Republican • House
Christina Wolff
Republican • House
Jose L. Castaneda
Republican • Senate
Larry Luick
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/26/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 91 nays 1
Yes: 91 • No: 1
Senate vote • 2/21/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0
Yes: 47 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/03
4/4/2025HouseSigned by Governor 04/02
4/3/2025SenateSent to Governor
3/31/2025SenateSigned by President
3/31/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
3/31/2025HouseReturned to Senate
3/27/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 91 nays 1
3/26/2025HouseReported back, do pass, place on calendar 10 0 3
3/21/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 10:00
3/21/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions Committee
2/25/2025HouseReceived from Senate
2/24/2025HouseSecond reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0
2/21/2025SenateAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
2/21/2025SenateReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 7 0 0
2/20/2025SenateCommittee Hearing 09:00
2/13/2025SenateIntroduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources Committee
1/20/2025Senate
Bill Text
Adopted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Enrollment
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
INTRODUCED
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