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)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Eligible rural committee members get daily pay
Rural Catalyst Committee members not otherwise employed by North Dakota receive $135 for each day of meetings or other committee duties. Commerce pays this daily compensation. Legislative members receive compensation at the existing statutory rate and allowable travel reimbursement, paid by the Legislative Council. Members also receive expense reimbursement under state rules, with employing state agencies paying applicable reimbursements.
New committee oversees rural project grants
The law creates a committee to set grant rules and review and approve rural project applications. Each regional council appoints one member; the governor appoints two at-large members from eligible communities or organizations mainly serving them. Legislative Management's chair appoints one legislator, while the governor and Commerce Commissioner, or their designees, hold permanent seats. The governor chairs the committee and selects a chairperson-designate; other members serve renewable four-year terms, with meetings at least twice yearly. Commerce administers the program, supports the committee, and keeps a public online database showing each approved project's details and status. Recipients face monitoring and reporting requirements after receiving awards. By September 1 of each even-numbered year, Commerce must report to Legislative Management and the next session's appropriations committees. Reports cover projects requested and supported, funded project details, matching money, and community impacts.
Rural grants get $2.5 million
The law creates a Rural Catalyst Fund managed by the North Dakota Department of Commerce; interest stays in the fund. It directs a $2.5 million transfer from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund during July 1, 2025–June 30, 2027. For that same period, it provides a one-time appropriation of up to $2.5 million for rural grants. The appropriation uses fund money not already committed elsewhere; it is not another $2.5 million on top of the transfer. Spending from the fund requires legislative approval.
New rural grants require matching money
The law creates grants for rural community and economic development, education, health, and wellness projects. Grants also support preserving or reopening grocery stores in rural communities with 4,500 people or fewer. Each grant is capped at $500,000, and at least half of grant funds must serve communities under 1,500 people. Recipients must provide at least $1 from nonstate sources for every $1 awarded. The committee may count cash or in-kind contributions toward that match.
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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