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HB 1174

AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 20.1-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to educational and community outreach programs established by the game and fish department.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Brad Bekkedahl and 7 co-sponsors

Authorizes the Game and Fish Department to create educational outreach programs and experiential activities to boost public understanding of wildlife management and recruit staff.

Filed with Secretary Of State 03/31
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Bill Summary · HB 1174

Summary — HB 1174 (North Dakota)

Title: An Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 20.1‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to educational and community outreach programs established by the game and fish department

Main purpose

Authorize the North Dakota Game and Fish Department to create and operate educational and community outreach programs that (1) increase public understanding of fisheries and wildlife management and (2) encourage interest in careers performed by department staff.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new section to NDCC chapter 20.1‑02 authorizing the department to establish educational and community outreach programs.
  • Specifies program goals:
    • Promote public understanding of fisheries and wildlife management.
    • Promote interest in pursuing careers in fields employed by the department.
  • Grants the department director authority to:
    • Create program rules and determine eligibility for participation.
    • Authorize direct participant activities including job‑shadowing of field activities and ride‑alongs with department personnel.

Who or what is affected

  • North Dakota Game and Fish Department: expressly empowered to design and run outreach and experiential programs.
  • Residents, students, community groups, and prospective job applicants: potential participants in educational events, job‑shadow opportunities, and ride‑alongs.
  • Department staff: may be asked to host or supervise program participants during field activities.
  • No specific funding, staffing, liability, or insurance provisions are included in the text; those operational details remain within department discretion or subject to separate appropriation/action.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced (filed) Nov 12, 2024.
  • Advanced through the 2025 legislative session; recorded floor votes show unanimous passage in both chambers (House 87–0; Senate 44–0).
  • Emergency clause adopted during final consideration; bill was enrolled and designated Act No. 790 (spring 2025). The emergency clause indicates the law became effective upon the governor’s approval/signature (i.e., immediate effect upon enactment).

Practical implications / considerations

  • Enables the department to build recruitment pipelines and strengthen public outreach and trust through experiential activities.
  • Implementation may require departmental resources (staff time, training, safety protocols, background checks, insurance), but the bill does not appropriate funds or set administrative requirements—those will be resolved administratively or via future budget actions.
  • Director discretion over eligibility and program design allows flexibility but places responsibility for safety, supervision, and participant selection with the department.

If you’d like, I can draft a short list of operational issues the department should address when implementing these programs (insurance, waivers, training, background checks, capacity limits, reporting).

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

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