ND HB1068

Appropriates $19,534,040 in total funds to the Public Service Commission for the 2017-19 biennium, with $6,891,777 from the general fund and 45 full-time equivalent positions.

Increases annual salary of Public Service Commissioners to $108,656 through June 30, 2018, and $109,743 thereafter (previously $105,491 through June 30, 2016).

Authorizes transfer of up to $300,000 from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund for specialized legal service costs during the 2017-19 biennium.

Sets special fuels excise tax collection limit on diesel fuel sales to railroads at $285,000 per year (changed from $275,000) to be deposited in the rail safety fund through June 30, 2019; effective after June 30, 2019, all special fuels taxes transfer to the highway tax distribution fund.

Designates $636,000 in one-time funding for specialized legal services in 2017-19, which shall not be part of the agency's base budget for the 2019-21 biennium.