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HB 1037

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation to the agriculture commissioner, the attorney general, the department of career and technical education, the department of health and human services, and the department of transportation to increase the use of uncrewed aircraft systems, autonomous vehicles, or other autonomous technologies in the state; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

Bill appropriates state funds to five departments for expanding autonomous technology use, with mandated study; failed 12-80 after committee recommended against passage.

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 12 nays 80
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Bill Summary · HB 1037

Legislative bill overview

HB 1037 would allocate state funding across multiple departments (Agriculture, Attorney General, Career and Technical Education, Health and Human Services, and Transportation) to expand the use of uncrewed aircraft systems, autonomous vehicles, and other autonomous technologies throughout North Dakota. The bill also mandates a legislative management study and report on autonomous technology implementation.

Why is this important

Autonomous technologies represent a significant frontier in agriculture, transportation, and public services. Investment decisions now could position North Dakota as a leader in these industries, create jobs, and improve service delivery—or alternatively, could represent inefficient spending if technologies aren't yet mature or cost-effective for state applications.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost-benefit uncertainty: The bill provides appropriations but doesn't specify expected ROI, implementation timelines, or measurable outcomes, making it difficult to justify the expense
  • Technology readiness: Autonomous vehicles and uncrewed aircraft face regulatory, safety, and operational hurdles; legislators may question whether the state should fund deployment before these systems are proven in comparable jurisdictions
  • Interdepartmental coordination: Spreading funds across five different departments without clear oversight mechanisms could lead to fragmented, duplicative, or poorly coordinated initiatives
  • Cybersecurity and liability concerns: Autonomous systems introduce new security vulnerabilities and legal liability questions that the bill doesn't address

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

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