North Dakota's kratom special session cost about $220,000

Why it matters

North Dakota's legislative staff put the cost of September's special session at about $220,000. The expense will reduce money available for the regular 2027 session, according to the state's legislative budget analyst.

The big picture

Gov. Kelly Armstrong called the September 2–4 session to address kratom restrictions. Lawmakers banned synthetic products and allowed regulated natural kratom, rejecting a total ban. They also funded a military museum project, so the session's full cost cannot be attributed solely to kratom legislation.

Key findings

• The special session cost about $220,000, according to the Legislature's staff agency.
• Reported expenses included $137,368 in lawmakers' daily pay, $33,881 for lodging, $30,712 for mileage and $14,716 for temporary session staff.
• A September 1 committee meeting cost an additional $678, separate from the special session.
• Some travel claims remained outstanding, with an estimated $1,800 still to be submitted.
• The Legislature's two-year budget will cover the expense; officials may need a deficiency appropriation if it cannot fully cover the 2027 regular session.

What they say

Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor Allen Knudson told the North Dakota Monitor that special-session expenses would reduce funding available for the upcoming 2027 session.

Bottom line

North Dakota's September special session carried an approximately $220,000 public cost and addressed both kratom regulation and other state business.