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Bill

HB 1173

relative to post-secondary education opportunities for inmates.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Buzz Scherr

Designates the Hwy 31 bridge north of New Salem as Specialist Dennis 'DJ' Ferderer Jr. Iraq bridge, allowing donated signs/funds and a continuing appropriation for signage.

Inexpedient to Legislate, MA, VV === BILL KILLED ===; 04/23/2026; SJ 10
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Bill Summary · HB 1173

Summary — HB 1173 (North Dakota)

Title: An Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 24‑01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to designating the bridge on State Highway 31 north of New Salem as the Specialist Dennis "DJ" Ferderer Jr. Iraq bridge; and to provide a continuing appropriation.

Main purpose

To formally name the bridge on State Highway 31 north of New Salem the “Specialist Dennis ‘DJ’ Ferderer Jr. Iraq bridge,” allow signage to mark that designation, permit acceptance of donated signs or funds to pay for signs, and authorize a continuing appropriation of any donated funds for that purpose.

Key provisions

  • Designation: Directs the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) to designate the bridge on State Highway 31 north of New Salem — specifically the span between the junction of 33rd Street and the junction of 32nd Street — as the “Specialist Dennis ‘DJ’ Ferderer Jr. Iraq bridge.”
  • Signage: Requires placement of signs along the highway reflecting the name.
  • Donations: Authorizes the department to accept appropriate donated signs and/or funds to cover signage costs.
  • Continuing appropriation: Any donated funds accepted by the department are appropriated on a continuing basis to the department for the sole purpose of providing the designated signs. (A continuing appropriation means the funds remain available until spent for the stated purpose without further legislative appropriation.)

Who is affected

  • North Dakota Department of Transportation: responsible for implementing the designation, placing signs, and receiving/administrating donated funds for signage.
  • Local community (New Salem area): will see memorial signage and a named bridge.
  • Donors: private parties may donate funds or signs; donated funds will be held and used specifically for signage.
  • No change to traffic rules, maintenance responsibilities, or ownership of the bridge is made by this bill.

Fiscal and operational impact

  • Direct state cost: likely minimal to none if donations cover sign costs. The bill explicitly contemplates and authorizes donations to fund signage.
  • Administrative: NDDOT will incur routine administrative tasks to place and maintain signs and to account for donated funds; no major programmatic changes or new ongoing appropriation from the general fund is required.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced: November 12, 2024.
  • Status (as provided): Filed with the Secretary of State on March 24 (year as provided in filing records).
  • The bill creates a new section in chapter 24‑01 of the North Dakota Century Code to memorialize the bridge naming and provide the appropriation mechanism.

Implementation notes

  • NDDOT may accept donated signs or funds and must place the signs on the specified stretch of State Highway 31.
  • Donated funds are set aside on a continuing appropriation basis to ensure they remain available to pay for the signage until expended.

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

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