AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the department of water resources; to create and enact a new section to chapter 61-24.6 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the northwest area water supply biota water treatment plant operating fund; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 54-12-08 and sections 54-35-02.7 and 61-02-79 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to state agency employment of attorneys, the powers and duties of the water topics overview committee, and a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide legislative intent; to provide for a report; to provide for a study; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

North Dakota appropriates water department funding, establishes NAWS plant operating fund, and authorizes Bank of North Dakota credit for regional water infrastructure.

Filed with Secretary Of State 05/12

Legislative bill overview

HB 1020 appropriates funding for North Dakota's Department of Water Resources and establishes a new operating fund for the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) biota water treatment plant. The bill modifies state agency legal staffing authority, adjusts water topics oversight committee powers, and authorizes a Bank of North Dakota line of credit for water infrastructure purposes.

Why is this important

Water supply infrastructure in rural North Dakota requires significant capital investment and ongoing operational funding. This legislation ensures continued access to treated water for regional populations while clarifying state agency authority over water management. The emergency declaration and continuing appropriation suggest this addresses time-sensitive infrastructure needs.

Potential points of contention

The creation of a continuing appropriation (self-renewing funding) limits future legislative oversight of water resource spending year-to-year

The scope of the Bank of North Dakota line of credit is not detailed in the bill's title, raising questions about debt authorization limits and repayment mechanisms

Expanding state agency employment of attorneys may increase administrative costs or concentrate legal authority in ways some stakeholders view as inefficient

The bill requires a study and report but the specific scope and timeline for these requirements remain unclear from the title alone