Committee advances advanced‑technology grant program to appropriations

BISMARCK — The House Industry, Business and Labor Committee voted to report House Bill 1448 to appropriations after hearing from Representative Christie and others about a proposed advanced‑technology initiative to support early‑stage research, startups and workforce development.

Representative Christie described the bill as a targeted tool to attract and support high‑technology companies — including advanced artificial intelligence, quantum, UAS and agritech initiatives — that may not be adequately served by existing state programs. The proposal would create a five‑member advanced‑technology review committee, a grant program with post‑award monitoring and an initial State Investment Fund (SIF) appropriation to seed the program. The sponsor sought an initial appropriation of $5 million from SIF for the 2025 biennium and an automatic termination of the program unless extended by the Legislature.

Committee members discussed overlap with existing programs such as the LIFT Fund and the Development Fund, the value of creating technical review capacity on a new committee and whether awards should require matching funds. Representative Christie said the initiative is meant to complement existing state resources and to provide a rapid, technically informed review process to attract and retain cutting‑edge firms and startup studios.

A motion that the committee give the bill a do‑pass recommendation and refer it to the Appropriations Committee was offered and seconded. The committee adopted the motion and the bill will go to the Appropriations Committee for consideration of funding and further review.