ND HB1480

Creates a pay for success fund in the state treasury administered by the Department of Health and Human Services with a continuing appropriation for performance-based grants and contracts focused on improving educational, social, emotional, and health outcomes for at-risk children and increasing workforce participation.

Establishes fund requirements including bonus payments to recipients after achieving at least 20 percent cost reduction (bonus cannot exceed half the cost reduction), formal program evaluation, and annual reports to legislative management.

Transfers $2,500,000 from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund to the pay for success fund during the 2023-2025 biennium, with unobligated balance returning to Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund on July 1, 2027.

Exempts grant recipient selection and awards from chapter 54-44.4 competitive bidding requirements, allowing the Department discretion in funding decisions.

Directs legislative management to study the pay for success funding model during the 2023-24 interim to examine implementation at state and local levels and review programs in other states, effective January 1, 2024.