North Dakota Senate confirms nominees and approves wide-ranging budget, energy and public-safety measures

BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota Senate confirmed multiple governor nominees and approved a series of budget and policy bills during its floor session on Feb. 11, 2025.

The chamber voted to confirm a slate of executive appointments and adopted final passage on a number of appropriation bills and policy measures affecting agriculture research, aeronautics, environmental quality, veterans services and more. Most roll calls were unanimous or near-unanimous; several contested measures were decided by recorded votes.

Why it matters: The votes set biennial spending priorities for state agencies and shape policy on wildfire liability, energy objectives and juvenile-court procedures. Several bills include one-time funding or new reporting requirements that will affect agency operations and grant programs across North Dakota.

What the Senate approved and key outcomes

Votes at a glance - Senate Bill 20 20 (NDSU Agricultural Experiment Station system budget): Passed, final tally 46 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. The bill includes salary and health-premium adjustments, funding for a veterinary toxicology resident position ($275,000), savings from removing 4.9 unfilled FTEs (about $1,190,607), $620,000 SIF for the Oaks Irrigation Research Site, $950,000 for a seed-conditioning plant plus authority to raise $1,650,000 in local funds, and other capital and equipment line items. The Senate adopted multiple amendments before final passage.

- Senate Bill 2,006 (North Dakota Aeronautics Commission budget): Passed, final tally 46 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. The bill continues the commission's special-fund budget, includes a one-time $120,000,000 SIF allocation referenced in the amendment context for three large…