Senate Bill 2151 Summary

• Creates an office of immigration within the Bank of North Dakota to promote refugee and immigrant resettlement, advise businesses on immigration policy, provide legal assistance to immigrant families, and assess immigration placement fees on employers beginning July 1, 2025.

• Establishes an immigration workforce advisory board chaired by the Bank of North Dakota president, including representatives from state departments and governor-appointed members from labor unions, business organizations, and nonprofits.

• Authorizes the immigration workforce loan program to issue loans up to $160,000 to eligible individuals and families who have been North Dakota residents for less than one year, with loan terms not exceeding 10 years and no new loans issued after June 30, 2029.

• Provides 10% annual loan forgiveness if borrowers are gainfully employed, operate a business, or complete two semesters of full-time postsecondary education in North Dakota, with interest rates at 0% for first three years, 2% for next two years, then standard Bank of North Dakota rates.

• Appropriates $10,000,000 from the legacy earnings fund ($8,800,000 for loans, $1,200,000 for administrative expenses) and authorizes one full-time position at the Bank of North Dakota to administer the program through June 30, 2025.