State museum project may use a $20 million credit line

The State Historical Society may borrow up to $20 million through a Bank of North Dakota credit line for the military museum project. The credit line supports the North Dakota military museum project and is treated as one-time funding. The interest rate may not exceed the rate charged to North Dakota government entities. The society may not use the credit line until money provided from the strategic investment and improvements fund in House Bill 1018 has been spent. If used, the society must repay the credit line and interest with donation money appropriated in House Bill 1018. If donations collected through March 31, 2029, are not enough, the 71st Legislative Assembly would consider extending the credit line or other repayment sources. The borrowing authority runs from the Act's effective date through June 30, 2027.

The capital grounds planning commission would oversee the military museum project, make final decisions, and use the Office of Management and Budget for construction management. The duties apply to the North Dakota military museum project and involve the commission, the State Historical Society, and the adjutant general. The commission would work with the society and adjutant general. Construction would prioritize the museum exterior to avoid added weather-related costs. Interior gallery and display work would require the commission's consent. The society would report project finances, credit-line use, donations, and expected completion to the budget section each quarter. Quarterly reports would cover the 2027–28 legislative interim; the other project duties would begin when the Act takes effect.

The State Historical Society would handle public displays, signs, and museum content for the military gallerymuseum in consultation with the adjutant general. The provisions cover the military gallerymuseum and other rooms, displays, galleries, and areas of the military museum at the North Dakota Heritage Center. The society and adjutant general would enter an agreement setting policies for displays, signs, and museum content. The regimental room must be named the North Dakota National Guard Regimental Room. The society may name other areas, but donor naming rights would require approval from the Emergency Commission and budget section. The society would establish a policy allowing alcohol at invited-guest-only events when a qualified licensee serves it. These provisions would take effect when the Act is filed with the secretary of state.