Summary: House Concurrent Resolution No. 3023 (HCR 3023)
Overview
HCR 3023 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the 69th North Dakota Legislative Assembly. Its core purpose is to affirm the Legislature’s commitment to keeping state-funded essential services fully funded and operational regardless of changes in federal funding allocations. The resolution expresses intent for state-level resilience, strengthens advocacy with federal partners, and promotes collaboration with tribal nations. It is a nonbinding statement of legislative priorities.
- Introduced: January 30, 2025
- Current Status: Second reading, failed to adopt (yeas 43, nays 44) on February 20, 2025
- Classification: Concurrent resolution
- Major sponsors: Representatives Davis, Brown, Foss, Schneider, Dobervich, Ista; Senator Boschee
Purpose and Intent
- Ensure continuity and reliability of state-funded essential services amid federal funding uncertainty.
- Demonstrate a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on federal funding instability.
- Affirm government continuity and resident well-being through maintained services.
Key Provisions (Substantive Provisions in the Version on First Engrossment/Amendments)
1) Affirmation of commitment
- The Sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly pledges that state-funded essential services—such as education, law enforcement, infrastructure, agricultural programs, and public health—remain fully funded and operational regardless of changes in federal funding allocations.
2) Agency and fiscal planning
- The Governor and state agencies are urged to assess potential financial impacts arising from federal funding uncertainties.
- The Legislature calls for identifying and implementing solutions to mitigate disruptions to vital programs.
3) Federal advocacy
- The State is urged to engage with federal partners to advocate for the timely restoration of funding that directly affects North Dakota residents’ well-being.
4) Tribal nation collaboration
- The State is urged to maintain and enhance collaboration with tribal nations to ensure shared governance and economic stability for communities impacted by funding uncertainties.
5) Communication and dissemination
- The Secretary of State is directed to transmit copies of the resolution to the Governor and each member of North Dakota’s Congressional Delegation.
Note: The text repeatedly references essential services (education, law enforcement, infrastructure, agricultural programs, public health, and related economic development) and emphasizes resilience, governance continuity, and intergovernmental coordination.
Affected Parties and Stakeholders
- State agencies and the Governor (as entities responsible for budgeting and service delivery)
- North Dakota citizens relying on essential services (K-12 education, public safety, infrastructure, public health, agricultural programs, economic development)
- Tribal nations within North Dakota (for shared governance and collaboration)
- North Dakota Congressional Delegation (for federal funding advocacy)
- Farmers, ranchers, and rural communities (explicitly noted as impacted by federal funding shifts)
Procedural and Timeline Details
- Committee Activity: Introduced and referred January 30, 2025; committee hearing February 13, 2025; amendment adopted February 17, 2025; reported back amended February 14, 2025 (amendment placed on calendar)
- Floor Action: Second reading February 20, 2025; failed to adopt (43 yeas, 44 nays)
- Version Notes: Multiple iterations (initial resolution text and first engrossment) show minor framing differences (e.g., wording of included services); core provisions remain consistent across versions
Impact and Considerations
- Legal Effect: As a concurrent resolution, HCR 3023 expresses legislative intent and policy priority rather than creating new law or an appropriation. It signals priorities to the executive branch and federal partners and may influence budgeting and planning processes.
- Policy Implications: Encourages proactive risk assessment, resilience planning, and ongoing federal engagement to protect state programs against funding volatility.
- Political Context: The near-even vote (43-44) on adoption indicates a closely divided stance on the resolution’s nonbinding recommendations.
Bottom Line
HCR 3023 seeks to lock in a statewide commitment to protect state-funded essential services from federal funding fluctuations, requiring proactive financial planning, federal advocacy, and continued tribal collaboration. While nonbinding, it serves as a formal statement of legislative priorities and could shape future agency budgeting and intergovernmental engagement.
