Senate OKs supplemental appropriations for ADA compliance reviews and PSC legal costs

Senators approved SB2404, a supplemental appropriation bill to fund two agency requests: digital‑access work for state resources to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and contingency legal funding for the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC).

Senator Hogue said the Information Technology Department requested $1,500,000 to buy accessibility software and hire consultants to review and remediate up to an estimated 60,000 documents and web materials so visually or hearing‑impaired users can access state content. Hogue said the request reflected recent federal guidance on digital accessibility and described the work as time‑intensive.

The second item funds the PSC to retain new counsel and cover additional legal fees in litigation before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission after previously engaged counsel were disqualified for a conflict; the commission seeks resources to continue advocating for North Dakota consumers regardless of the timing of a FERC decision. The joint appropriations committee reported unanimous do‑pass recommendation.

The final roll call recorded 46 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent and the measure was declared passed.