Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a state agency or institution may not significantly change or expand a public improvement beyond what has been approved by the legislative assembly unless the legislative assembly approves the change or expansion of the project or any additional expenditure for the project. During the time the legislative assembly is not in session, and unless otherwise restricted by previous legislative action or other law, the budget section may approve a change or expansion or any additional expenditure for the project. However, the budget section may not approve a change, expansion, or additional expenditure for the project during the six months preceding the convening of a regular session or during the three months following the close of a regular session except for changes in project scope and related additional expenditures resulting from an unforeseen emergency event. Any request considered by the budget section must comply with section 54-35-02.9. For the purposes of this section, a significant change or expansion includes the construction of an addition to a building, including skywalks or other type of enclosed walkway, or any other substantial increase in the area of the building, but does not include the construction of building entrances and stairwells.
N.D.C.C. § 48-01.2-25