ND HB1531

Appropriates $75,000 in one-time general fund money to the agriculture commissioner to contract with a consultant for an irrigation expansion study during the 2025-2027 biennium

Study must examine potential economic benefits of increased irrigation and improved water conveyance in rural communities, and compare economic contributions of irrigated versus non-irrigated land

Study must assess ramifications of failing to implement irrigation infrastructure originally designed under the Pick-Sloan Flood Control Act of 1944 and evaluate subsurface water management systems

Agriculture commissioner is exempt from standard state purchasing practices when contracting for the study

Findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation must be presented to legislative management before July 1, 2026; passed House 83-9 and Senate 45-1