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HB 1538

A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 4.1-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to creating a spay and neuter awareness grant program; to amend and reenact section 4.1-41-19 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the environment and rangeland protection fund; and to provide an appropriation.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Mike Beltz and 8 co-sponsors

Creates a one-time $1,000,000 grant program to fund spay/neuter awareness and services in ND via the Agriculture Commissioner, funded from the Environment and Rangeland Protection

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 38 nays 55
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Bill Summary · HB 1538

Summary — HB 1538 (North Dakota) — Spay and Neuter Awareness Grant Program

Status: Introduced December 6, 2024; read first time March 12, 2025; referred to Public Health. Second reading failed (yeas 38, nays 55). Died in House committee at sine die adjournment (not enacted).

Purpose / Intent

Create a state-administered grant program to increase public awareness of—and access to—animal spay and neuter services across North Dakota, using monies from the Environment and Rangeland Protection Fund.

Key provisions

  • Creates a new section in chapter 4.1‑01, North Dakota Century Code:
    • Establishes a "Spay and Neuter Awareness Grant Program" administered by the Agriculture Commissioner through the Environment and Rangeland Protection Fund.
    • Authorizes grants to applicants that:
    • Promote use of spaying and neutering services in the state; and
    • Offer and perform spaying and neutering services in the state.
    • Requires the Commissioner to adopt implementing rules in consultation with the State Veterinarian under the state administrative rules process (chapter 28‑32).
  • Amends section 4.1‑41‑19 (deposit of fees):
    • Confirms the requirement that the first $727,500 in fees received under that chapter each biennium be deposited in the Environment and Rangeland Protection Fund, with any remaining fees deposited to the General Fund.
  • One‑time appropriation:
    • Appropriates $1,000,000 (one-time) from the Environment and Rangeland Protection Fund to the Agriculture Commissioner for creating and administering the grant program for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2027. Funding is explicitly labeled a one‑time item.

Who would be affected

  • Animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, spay/neuter clinics, and other entities that provide or promote sterilization services — eligible to apply for grant funding.
  • Pet owners and communities could see increased outreach and potentially expanded low‑cost/no‑cost spay‑neuter services if grants were awarded.
  • Agriculture Commissioner’s office — required to administer the program and adopt rules (administrative workload).
  • Environment and Rangeland Protection Fund — reduced balance to the extent of the $1,000,000 appropriation; fee deposit structure preserved as specified.
  • State budget — one‑time draw on the specified fund; no ongoing mandated appropriation beyond the biennium.

Procedural / timeline aspects

  • Rulemaking: the bill requires rule adoption (chapter 28‑32) in consultation with the State Veterinarian before program implementation.
  • Appropriation period: funding covers the 2025–2027 biennium (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027).
  • Legislative outcome: the bill failed second reading (38–55) and did not advance; it was reported as dying in committee at sine die, so it did not become law.

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Fiscal: $1,000,000 one‑time expenditure drawn from the Environment and Rangeland Protection Fund; administrative costs to run grant program (not itemized).
  • Program design decisions (eligibility, award size, priorities, reporting requirements) would be set via administrative rules and grant guidance if the bill had passed.
  • If enacted, the program could expand access to spay/neuter services and public education, potentially reducing shelter intake and euthanasia rates over time; outcomes would depend on grant design and uptake.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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