House panel approves $60,000 amendment for Game and Fish firearms replacement, forwards bill to full appropriations

The House Appropriations — Government Operations section approved an amendment adding $60,000 to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department budget for replacement of wardens’ firearms and forwarded the department’s bill to full appropriations.

Director Jeb Williams, appearing for the department, said the agency supports the governor’s budget and highlighted the equipment request. “My name is Jeb Williams, director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department,” he told the committee when introduced.

Why it matters: The amendment authorizes funds the department said would let it stay on an eight‑year replacement cycle for firearms and provide updated night‑sight technology that the agency described as important for officer safety. The $60,000 line is funded primarily by license/special funds with a federal contribution for equipment tied to boat and water safety grants.

Key details: Committee staff identified two amendment versions: one without the $60,000 firearms line and one that adds it. Director Williams told members the request would cover roughly 40 pistols and estimated a 4–6 month lead time between order and delivery; he said approximately 19% of relevant equipment funding is eligible for federal boat/water safety grants and the remainder comes from special fund license revenue.

The committee debated timing — whether to authorize the money now so the agency can order near the end of the biennium or wait until replacement is imminent — and members generally supported the proactive approach to avoid losing trade‑in value and to preserve purchasing flexibility.

Representative Fisher moved to attach amendment 25.0161 0.01002 (the version that includes the $60,000 firearms replacement line); Representative Meyer seconded. The clerk took roll and the motion carried on a 5–0 vote with two members absent. Representative Fisher then moved to forward House Bill 1017 as amended; Representative Meyer seconded and the committee carried that motion as well.

What’s next: With the amendment adopted and the bill forwarded, the Game and Fish request will be considered by full appropriations. The committee did not schedule purchasing timelines in this session beyond noting the agency expects to order near the end of the biennium and take delivery within several months.