Panel adopts amendment and recommends due pass for $64 million regional behavioral‑health infrastructure appropriation

The Senate Appropriations Human Resources Division adopted an amendment and recommended a due pass for Senate Bill 2096, a one‑time $64 million appropriation intended to support regional behavioral‑health infrastructure.

Senator Mathern offered an amendment (Legislative Council draft 25.0114.04003) that clarifies the appropriation provides the Department of Health and Human Services authority to contract with providers in four quadrants of the state (anchored in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot and Bismarck) and allows the department to use the funds for either operating or capital expenditures to build regional capacity. The amendment also removes any direct appropriation to the state hospital and requires contracts with private providers who must commit to provide services for at least 10 years.

Senators discussed the amendment’s intent and safeguards. One member said the language gives the agency flexibility to negotiate with private providers rather than issuing direct grants, and the sponsor said the money is intended to create infrastructure and programs so providers can then bill for operations through Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance or private pay. The sponsor also noted the appropriation is for the coming biennium to get providers online, not an ongoing operating appropriation.

A committee member raised concerns about recent audit findings at the Department of Health and Human Services and said that history makes him cautious about broad discretion. Supporters replied the amendment includes contracting and term requirements to protect the public interest; the sponsor noted the amended appropriation is smaller than earlier versions and contains parameters for contracts.

The committee approved the amendment without recorded opposition and then took a roll‑call on a motion to recommend a due pass for Senate Bill 2096 as amended. The clerk recorded the following votes: Senator Clary — yes; Senator Davidson — no; Chairman Dever — yes; Senator Grama — yes; Senator Matherne — yes. The motion carried 4–1. Senator Mathern said he would carry the bill to the full committee.

Committee members requested additional implementation detail for related bills and asked staff to schedule follow‑up witnesses from the department or legislative authors as needed for related juvenile‑justice and behavioral‑health measures.