ND SB2008

Appropriates $22,235,782 in total funds ($7,935,207 from general fund) to the Public Service Commission for the 2015-17 biennium, including salary increases and funding for new railroad safety and legal services programs.

Establishes a railroad safety pilot program with $523,345 in funding and requires all railroads to provide training to fire departments along unit oil train routes by June 30, 2016, covering hazard assessment, environmental safety, and emergency response strategies.

Increases Public Service Commissioner annual salary to $105,491 through June 30, 2016, then to $108,656 thereafter.

Directs the Bank of North Dakota to transfer $900,000 from the beginning farmer revolving loan fund to the Public Service Commission for rail rate complaint case costs, with repayment required from successful case proceeds.

Modifies special fuels excise tax distribution to deposit up to $275,000 annually (increased from $250,000) into the rail safety fund from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2019, then revert to highway tax distribution fund.