Governor Armstrong proposes legislation to streamline North Dakota state boards and commissions

In a significant move to streamline government operations, the North Dakota State Legislature's House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 2308, which proposes the elimination of 17 boards and commissions. Governor Kelly Armstrong emphasized the need for a consumer-driven approach in state governance, aiming to reduce redundancy and enhance efficiency within the state's bureaucratic structure.

The bill seeks to dissolve various boards, including the Energy Policy Commission and the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact, as their functions can be absorbed by existing state agencies. Governor Armstrong noted that the state currently operates over 50 boards, comprising approximately 1,500 individuals, with two-thirds of those appointed by the governor. The proposed changes are part of a broader initiative to eliminate non-essential boards and reduce government costs.

Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a Board Review Task Force under the governor's office, tasked with assessing the relevance and efficiency of all boards, commissions, and councils. This task force will evaluate which entities can be combined or dissolved, ensuring that only mission-critical boards remain operational. The governor highlighted the importance of this initiative in addressing the challenges of maintaining a large number of boards, some of which have not met in years.

The committee also discussed technical amendments to the bill, including clerical corrections and adjustments to the responsibilities of various departments, such as the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Water Resources. These changes aim to clarify the roles of state agencies in managing water resources and environmental regulations.

As the committee prepares to hear public testimony on the bill, the governor and his team remain committed to fostering a more efficient government that prioritizes taxpayer savings while maintaining essential services. The anticipated outcome of this legislation is a leaner, more effective state government that can better serve the needs of North Dakota residents.