BISMARCK – North Dakota legislators passed a bill Thursday that will amend existing alcohol tax legislation for tribal lands. Senate Bill 2377 will provide an opportunity for tribal nations within North Dakota to enter into a revenue share agreement with the state tied to alcohol tax collections for each respective reservation.

“This legislation is important because it creates another avenue of needed funding to help support social awareness programs for our tribal partners,” said Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus.

The bill provides uniform taxation on the sales of alcoholic beverages at the wholesale and retail level within the exterior boundaries of the reservations in the state. Reservations that implement the tax will share revenue, keeping 80% of the collected tax while 20% goes to the state’s general fund.

The legislation was introduced through a collaborative effort of the Office of State Tax Commissioner and House, Senate and MHA Nation representatives.

“This agreement has been a long time coming, and I’m pleased to have reached a consensus all involved can support,” said Sen. Dale Patten, R-Watford City, prime sponsor of SB 2377.

The bill had passed the Senate on Feb. 6. It now goes to Gov. Doug Burgum for his signature.