(This is the first in our series highlighting one bill a day from the North Dakota Legislature, breaking down key proposals and their potential impact.)
A new bill (SB 2396) introduced in the North Dakota Legislature calls for an independent, third-party audit of the Department of Commerce to examine its efficiency, financial practices, and internal controls from 2020 to 2024.
Sponsored by Senators Weston, Boehm, Hogue, Paulson and Representatives Steiner, and Tveit, the bill would start a review of how Commerce handles state-backed funding and business incentives. The audit report would be completed by August 30, 2026. The push for accountability comes as Commerce faces mounting criticism over financial mismanagement, funding freezes, and questionable decision-making (most notably in the Dunseith Debacle). In that case, the North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) repeatedly froze and unfroze financing for a state-approved business, stalling economic development and raising serious concerns about transparency.
With the bill's initial hearing taking place Thursday February 6, it has passed the initial stages and is progressing towards an eventual vote from the senate before then moving to the House and eventually, Governor Armstrong's desk.
With the Dunseith controversy still unfolding, this audit could expose systemic issues in how Commerce operates or, alternatively, confirm their practices are sound and in order. Either way, it ensures taxpayers and business owners get long-overdue answers.
Follow the bill along here
