ND SB2236

Agriculture commissioner shall establish a pilot program to provide technical assistance and support to surface owners and surface tenants on pipeline restoration and reclamation.

Agriculture commissioner may contract with ombudsmen to serve as resources for technical assistance and follow-up on pipeline issues, but ombudsmen cannot assist with pipelines installed before January 1, 2006, or those regulated by the public service commission.

Ombudsmen may not assist in easement negotiations and the agriculture commissioner is exempt from civil service provisions when contracting for ombudsman services.

Pilot program may provide technical education, support, and outreach on pipeline-related matters in coordination with other entities.

Names of surface owners and surface tenants who receive assistance under the program are classified as exempt records and not subject to public disclosure.