House passes SB2404 to fund web-accessibility work and PSC litigation support

The House approved Senate Bill 2404, which appropriates one-time funding for two distinct uses: digital-accessibility compliance across executive-branch websites and support for the Public Service Commission’s intervention in federal transmission litigation.

Representative Bosch, explaining the bill, said Section 1 appropriates $1,500,000 of one-time funding to the Information Technology Department to comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act digital-accessibility requirements that enforcement will begin on 04/24/2026. Bosch said a content-scanning and monitoring tool already procured will allow agencies to identify accessibility issues across websites and prioritize remediation. Section 2 appropriates $325,000 one-time to support the PSC’s FERC litigation intervention efforts related to planned transmission-line buildouts, and Section 3 permits PSC to use $900,000 in loan-operation funds for a seldom-used rail-rates litigation if needed.

Representative Wolf asked whether the three sections complied with single-subject rules; Bosch said the provisions are tied by the need for rapid action to address pending litigation and legal obligations. The House recorded a final vote of 92 yays, 0 nays and SB2404 was declared passed.

Why it matters: The NDIT appropriation funds a tool for agencies to identify and remediate web-accessibility barriers ahead of an ADA enforcement date; the PSC funds fund legal work around transmission planning that sponsors said protects North Dakota consumers from bearing higher transmission costs.

Next steps: Agencies may buy into the state contract for the accessibility tool; PSC will use appropriations for litigation support if authorized.