[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6173424,"mediaKeyId","5381021-c7bcea2461ea72c53e457f6ff1c8452e","parentId",5381021,"title","OMB says June close could boost ending balance; budget section approves three emergency spending requests","audioSeconds",2533,"startMs",819000,"endMs",3352000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5381021-c7bcea2461ea72c53e457f6ff1c8452e&start=819&end=3352","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5381021-c7bcea2461ea72c53e457f6ff1c8452e/thumbnail_819000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6173424/North-Dakota/OMB-says-June-close-could-boost-ending-balance-budget-section-approves-three-emergency-spending-requests","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6173424-861e29c88f758a61831d7c903558e56e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154254&Signature=br2JjqqPKWJB6ngGIoY8P5LcNqJW-YOXgLbUrR0ckZhkAIWzv9P8GZpeYJk3R2yVwbK00oaKn-Fq0tE5mSoDS3N758AdZbgK8p7DIEYC1wyQvU5Crd72b4mLAhR-T-SnhnQtri1k4yUtULUZIuTlqWAi7OUim3CTpIfAGu3tzktmE174zFfJ3-HYh0ZJnTiTyMs2Q2xq9PUy3AOhqr-yqvKM3hvkDbC9twczL95ZpwsJzh~BcyR1NLrB4B0t4F7qTJuiTMKHmZ0PKPGh9pOkZLMqCexHV1yTO66WXeQbDVZN5HRE8maZgbc191Qn~duK9~h8MjS9vVHh5r7DNrSkew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Dakota Legislation","date","2025-06-25T00:00:00Z","article","Joe Morrissette of the Office of Management and Budget told the Budget Section the estimated general fund ending balance for the biennium on June 30, 2025, is $1,154,000,000 and that revenue collections through May totaled $5,160,000,000 under the adopted forecast. \"The estimated ending balance for this biennium for June 30 of 2025 of 1,154,000,000... closely aligns with what you had expected when you adjourned in May,\" Morrissette said.

The update matters because the final amounts available for transfers and spending will not be known until agencies complete the June close and the books are finalized. Morrissette told members the month of June typically brings significant transactions — including a biennial Bank of North Dakota dividend and interest on the budget stabilization fund — and that the final figures may not be available until the July close or later. He said the office expects to exceed the adopted forecast but is sticking with the adopted numbers until June is closed.

During questions, Morrissette confirmed the budget stabilization fund balance reported through March was about $966 million and that, under the new biennium’s calculations, a revised threshold near $938 million would create roughly $30 million of excess earnings eligible for transfer to the general fund. He told the committee the transfer will be set when the June financial statement is prepared and may occur after close of the biennium (likely in August).

OMB also reviewed special funds, the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund, and oil-related revenues. Morrissette said oil revenue for the biennium was tracking above forecast overall, producing an overage of roughly $520 million through May, and reviewed the North Dakota price assumptions used in the adopted forecast ($62 for the remainder of the fiscal year, then $59 and $57 for the two years of the next biennium).

The committee heard several routine reports Morrissette summarized: tobacco settlement receipts (about $631 million received to date), required federal-grant notifications (agencies must report grants in excess of $25,000), fiscal irregularities (pay adjustments and retroactive payroll entries are reported as irregularities by statute), and vacancy-savings reporting. Morrissette said cumulative vacancy savings across funding sources totaled about $130 million for the first fiscal year of the biennium and that OMB had distributed roughly $36 million from a roughly $40 million general‑fund new-and-vacant FTE pool, leaving about $4 million unallocated; a $3 million deficiency authorized in session may not be needed.

Emergency commission requests forwarded to the Budget Section were acted on. The Department of Public Instruction had requested increased federal spending authority; OMB staff identified a math error in the aggregate amount approved by the emergency commission and asked the Budget Section to amend the DPI request downward by $944 to keep it within the emergency commission’s biennial aggregate authority. Senator Mathern moved the amendment; Representative Nelson seconded. The committee approved the amendment by voice vote.

The committee then considered all three requests from the emergency commission together and approved them on a roll-call vote. Morrissette explained one of the requests was an internal OMB transfer of $189,750 from the state contingencies line to cover payments the state made as fiscal agent on a COVID-related federal grant that later was canceled at the federal level; OMB has sought federal reimbursement but had not yet obtained it. Morrissette asked that, if the federal government later reimburses the state, the funds would be returned to the general fund.

Brady and OMB staff answered members’ procedural and reporting questions, and senators asked OMB to track the effects of recent oil tax exemptions on the effective tax rate and to compile a list of federal grant cancellations so the Budget Section can assess potential impacts if a special session becomes necessary.

The Budget Section recessed with its next scheduled meeting set for Sept. 24.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","69th Legislative Interim - Budget Section Jun 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Joe Morrissette of the Office of Management and Budget told the Budget Section the estimated general fund ending balance for the biennium on June 30, 2025, is $1,154,000,000 and that final transfers and revenues will depend on the June close.","taxTitle","Budget Section, Interim, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28913,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6173406,"Job Service reports trust fund near target and multiplier above 1.0; claims trend noted",447,2880000,3327000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5381021-c7bcea2461ea72c53e457f6ff1c8452e&start=2880&end=3327","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5381021-c7bcea2461ea72c53e457f6ff1c8452e/thumbnail_2880000.jpg","/articles/6173406/North-Dakota/Job-Service-reports-trust-fund-near-target-and-multiplier-above-10-claims-trend-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6173406-a73c2010f9458de27c272fa558106ce4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154254&Signature=mcYW9Bnke-StgU99~mjsxUCoVGgrYmu0Gp8eB~6GMwTeOpR-QjNEcnPX5MBg58toX9rh4mtODXqeuMvatAmS~wBOjmQpjC7XP19gRkBNEH5lfv6YeHcoAKOc2WCof-S9qS5UcbllfAP4FdEtw~TLA6UJjcl5QJ6hfHpmOCxUmLMFioItut1phxxCUhl0c1bUJJUZCptFNWfyWfzjIkY7uv4WvS7a2tm27l76vGQ~TvmerNFmjNLKw7Bs3ZHEhNeN3rkkwDp7z2Aj0QFil9cq1yVi1ujjZciCIRaIzuRC-h0kFCxfSN9Y3xwl05HI30JGdJUhpg54j1Nw54t~Mf5RmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jamie Lawler, data and quality assurance manager for Job Service North Dakota, told the Budget Section the unemployment insurance trust fund balance was $337.7 million as of Dec. 31, 2024, above a target balance reported as $316.3 million. Lawler explained the high‑cost multiplier — an actuarial measure of how long the trust fund could sustain benefit payments without additional revenues — was 1.09 as of that date (target 1.0). \"For example, a multiplier of 1 would signify that the fund could be able to cover benefits for 1 year solely based on the existing resources,\" Lawler explained.

Lawler said North Dakota filed more claims in 2024 and that the state has maintained a minimum tax rate of 0.08% and a maximum tax rate of 9.69% under North Dakota Century Code 52‑04‑05.3. She said projections indicate the trust fund is on track to end 2025 close to its target balance.

A committee member asked for no follow‑up questions and Lawler offered to answer additional technical questions offline.

","Job Service North Dakota told the Budget Section the unemployment insurance trust fund held about $337.7 million as of Dec. 31, 2024, with a high‑cost multiplier of 1.09 and that the agency projects the fund to end 2025 close to target; Lawler said tax rate ranges remain 0.08% to 9.69% under state code.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6173411,"DHHS reports $23 million received to date from opioid settlements; additional awards set to start July 1",208,2481000,2689000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5381021-c7bcea2461ea72c53e457f6ff1c8452e&start=2481&end=2689","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5381021-c7bcea2461ea72c53e457f6ff1c8452e/thumbnail_2481000.jpg","/articles/6173411/North-Dakota/DHHS-reports-23-million-received-to-date-from-opioid-settlements-additional-awards-set-to-start-July-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6173411-4461cbd572e5c75c53d0cc208533f637/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154254&Signature=EE4qqp7kcXGzX16P60klIhfu0rONhEjxxmQP016xvwWo~Vty1Zf7v9iWQ3dIVvwFL5joR7W0-Zd9i5qoawMxF7TSMqtipp~j~h2MjHmgBpyW8w-sF4GFJMwTzEVBfJPhoVyW5m5HqT1gLB4CuM3QsmGfWeRzwq79yeQK-ffGGa2rdKdCCrf58LzuvRytcA8df1K1wijXi04pn5wi3Aki9jnneYQUzjz17GdwuZ6spnmRoCQ3j9UbRDFuGJoG8oAQq2lCE7dNeQ~qQmZiXfsnhV~jcXrRgL~tM~epKFiae6q-DtYL~S3LVKF8Q35DizclRFSTXYEjZXKG~NJ0UFi4Gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pam Segnus, executive director of behavioral health at the Department of Health and Human Services, updated the Budget Section on opioid settlement funds and spending plans.

Segnus said the state had received just over $23 million in settlement proceeds as of June 16, 2025, and that the department anticipates an additional approximately $46 million as other agreements are finalized. She reviewed how the $8 million the Legislature appropriated from settlement money in the prior biennium was spent on allowable items: naloxone (Narcan) purchases, prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery activities in partnership with tribes, and administrative support for the state opioid settlement committee. The appropriation contained a 20 percent set‑aside for prevention and workforce development; at least $2 million focused on those areas.

Segnus also said the department is publishing reports from local political subdivisions and local public health units that received direct formula distributions; 50 jurisdictions had submitted plans explaining their intended uses and the reports are posted on the DHHS website. She told members the department recently announced awardees for new statewide grants and that those awards begin July 1, 2025.

Senator Cleary asked whether plans from political subdivisions are required or voluntary; Segnus said plans are required but the statute does not prescribe a specific penalty for noncompliance and that DHHS works with the League of Cities and Association of Counties to ensure compliance.

Segnus offered to answer committee questions and provided contact information and the web address for the published local plans.

","The Department of Health and Human Services told the Budget Section it has received just over $23 million in opioid settlement funds as of June 16, 2025, anticipates another $46 million pending final settlements, and has awarded grants that will begin July 1, 2025; 50 political subdivisions have submitted spending plans.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6173416,"Department of Mineral Resources reports steady production, higher lateral footage and new drilling techniques",3306,2920000,6226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5381021-c7bcea2461ea72c53e457f6ff1c8452e&start=2920&end=6226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5381021-c7bcea2461ea72c53e457f6ff1c8452e/thumbnail_2920000.jpg","/articles/6173416/North-Dakota/Department-of-Mineral-Resources-reports-steady-production-higher-lateral-footage-and-new-drilling-techniques","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6173416-33c8a3472b2169b6d890487fa859fcd8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154254&Signature=WG~wermBylLBxH6jFYtI93rKEaQElytB4c~NJh0wcMYwchbcKl-gpUawtxxvotmpN~djSwiFz2OUIk-iwrJsuu5FPMy07UIjqdi6GEtJCmhUid-ohYCxl2IjpqPi4V14eXgBol8mk~JABUG8cqWUdL4M2q1qOjiWQfW2n-nPGx83ojWrt~UeN4AHQgmQ08QB3O3hO2PXrK2f-CVATxy1iiVzC2ZChaXMaxHUi4ghh800YhVohtVxBbBsImInnRJVCre7dBkETXK9-FrV623l5rRt5sbsfQ~dLiOKyiXAQax0MwLs1lW~Kv2F9d5B3NCsrNHRotH9ROmBxPicrBpZFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Nathan Anderson, director of the Department of Mineral Resources, briefed the Budget Section on oil and gas activity in the Williston Basin, emerging drilling technologies and the status of the Oil and Gas Production and Restoration (OPSRF) fund.

Anderson said North Dakota production for the month was about 1.17 million barrels per day, with 97.3% of that coming from the Bakken/Three Forks formation. He reported a gas capture rate of roughly 95.7%, and daily gas flows near 3.47 billion cubic feet. \"North Dakota production for the month came in at 1.17,\" Anderson said, adding that month‑to‑month fluctuations are normal.

The department highlighted a multi‑year trend toward longer completed laterals. Anderson said 2024 saw about 10.6 million feet of lateral completed statewide and an average lateral length in 2024 of about 10,149 feet. He noted that increasing lateral length can raise capital efficiency: \"Even with a slight rig-count reduction, capital efficiencies are up, and they're doing that through longer laterals.\"

Anderson described a developing technology — so‑called U‑shaped or horseshoe wells — that has been permitted in other basins and now has been used in North Dakota. He said the department had issued permits for several such wells, including some that would permit 4‑mile total lateral footage by drilling down and out then back. He and staff said the technique could make otherwise stranded or underdeveloped areas in the northern basin more economic.

The OPSRF fund balance was estimated at about $40.7 million currently, with a projected June 2027 balance of about $53 million under the forecast shared with the committee. Anderson reviewed program goals including using drone technology to reduce physical inspections, evaluating in‑place restoration methods and planning for long‑term plugging and reclamation liabilities.

On activity and rigs, Anderson said North Dakota’s rig count was roughly 30 to 32 rigs and completion crews numbered about 13. He cautioned that geopolitical events have produced price volatility and that several larger operators were signaling modest CapEx reductions; that environment could lead to slight decreases in activity if prices remain in the low‑to‑mid $60s per barrel.

Anderson also flagged that well counts continue to grow, highlighting the management challenge of increased reclamation workload and the need to staff and implement the department’s reclamation program.

","The Department of Mineral Resources reported North Dakota crude production around 1.17 million barrels per day, a gas capture rate near 95.7%, continued strong completion footage driven by longer laterals, and early permit activity for U‑shaped/\"horseshoe\" wells that could enable 4‑mile laterals in underdeveloped parts of the basin.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6173420,"Budget Section counsel outlines new emergency‑commission approval process effective July 1, 2025",176,3364000,3540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5381021-c7bcea2461ea72c53e457f6ff1c8452e&start=3364&end=3540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5381021-c7bcea2461ea72c53e457f6ff1c8452e/thumbnail_3364000.jpg","/articles/6173420/North-Dakota/Budget-Section-counsel-outlines-new-emergencycommission-approval-process-effective-July-1-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6173420-dbddfab646db5f07a50cfbebe5f9c41d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154254&Signature=EVrCSWSDmAFJ4SrarV2Zpy8l-IgjvS3-goO6~AZokYIHKjDNbmsJD~-9imjk6TfIaQiSPNz2QZfq13KvkTdYIQ7PsWmuooikcRBbwJQmhAzuMt3O~hSHSoGygzfDNOqwHw8WoJ0OF2xf5Pr32jzIfg7S7Sx4QoRifmjg8oK34G7UoXceiRrBntovhRiyVW~eEE9RQJ7UlXk16C17S-6TKdiveMCC8HnClybITcNnwftIc3NU-R1b2XvbUgx6AkWGRTSPqVHIT00xOSFcrVJsNGENZEpEdSlVLCEKeHevFqHaGgr7q6CQByqrzuabRxYw2N3Rxn3K7QjY2-ippcKZFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brady, legislative staff, presented a memorandum to the Budget Section describing statutory changes to emergency commission and Budget Section approval processes that take effect July 1, 2025. \"Going forward, there are now not going to be any of these different tiers and all requests will need to be approved by the budget section and then budget section will have the authority to amend any of the requests regardless of dollar amount,\" Brady said.

The memo summarized two principal changes. First, the tiered approval thresholds governing emergency commission referrals will be replaced: previously, requests under $50,000 did not require Budget Section approval, requests between $50,000 and $3 million required Budget Section approval but could not be amended, and requests over $3 million required Budget Section approval and could be amended. Under the new process, all emergency commission requests will be routed to the Budget Section and the Budget Section will have authority to amend requests at any dollar level.

Second, the memorandum confirmed that the 2025–27 biennium includes an explicit legislative appropriation for state contingencies in three separate categories: $750,000 general fund, $20,000,000 special funds and $50,000,000 federal funds. Brady told members that unspent contingency appropriations will turn back at the end of the biennium.

Brady said the changes follow House Bill 1233 language and related session actions; the new processes will be used beginning with the Sept. 25, 2025, Budget Section meeting. Members had no substantive questions during the presentation.

","Counsel presented a memorandum explaining that, beginning July 1, 2025, all emergency commission requests will require Budget Section approval and the Budget Section may amend requests regardless of dollar amount; the legislature also will appropriate separate state contingency amounts by fund type for 2025–27.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

OMB says June close could boost ending balance; budget section approves three emergency spending requests

Job Service reports trust fund near target and multiplier above 1.0; claims trend noted

DHHS reports $23 million received to date from opioid settlements; additional awards set to start July 1

Department of Mineral Resources reports steady production, higher lateral footage and new drilling techniques

Budget Section counsel outlines new emergency‑commission approval process effective July 1, 2025