ND SB2009

Appropriates $53.5 million total funds ($22.5 million general fund) to the agriculture commissioner for the biennium July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025, including increases for salaries, operating expenses, grants, and agricultural programs.

Increases the agriculture commissioner's annual salary from $121,353 to $123,368 effective through June 30, 2024, then to $123,680 after that date.

Transfers $5.5 million from the strategic investment and improvements fund and $6.5 million from the general fund to the bioscience innovation grant fund for grants and programs.

Establishes the environmental impact mitigation fund receiving payments from energy facility applicants, with funds used for habitat restoration, consulting services, and conservation easements, prioritizing mitigation in directly impacted areas first.

Directs legislative management studies during the 2023-24 interim on environmental mitigation policies for energy facilities and the feasibility of transferring agriculture education programs from the department of career and technical education to the agriculture commissioner.