Veterans

Relating to the payment of a death benefit to the beneficiary or next of kin of a member of the national guard who died while serving on state active duty; and to declare an emergency.

HB 1135 amends North Dakota law to increase the maximum total loan amount available through the veterans' aid fund from $5,000 to $50,000 for eligible veterans and surviving spouses. The bill directly affects North Dakota veterans and their unremarried surviving spouses who are state residents and citizens, allowing them to receive multiple loans totaling up to $50,000. Key provisions clarify that additional loans may be issued if the applicant meets ongoing eligibility criteria, with all loans consolidated into a single payment. The changes streamline access to financial assistance for qualifying veterans while maintaining the fund's purpose of providing aid through the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

HB 1403 designates the third Friday in September each year as "Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day" in North Dakota. The bill requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day to honor military personnel held captive or missing in action. It specifically clarifies that this designation does not mandate school or business closures, as it is a ceremonial observance, not a mandated holiday. The bill was signed into law by the governor on March 14, 2025.

HB 1148 designates May as Military Appreciation Month in North Dakota, requiring the governor to issue an annual proclamation on May 1st. The proclamation honors both current and former U.S. military personnel for their service and sacrifices in defending the nation. This law directly affects state recognition practices and the governor's annual ceremonial duties, without altering military benefits or policies. It establishes a formal, yearly observance to acknowledge military contributions within North Dakota.

Relating to designating the bridge on state highway 18 as the Specialist 4 Richard W. Orsund Vietnam bridge; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to declare an emergency.

HB 1180 amends North Dakota law to clarify eligibility for veteran benefits, directly affecting veterans with service-connected disabilities, their dependents, and surviving spouses. It updates definitions to include veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (including those with extra-schedular ratings for total disability), expanding who qualifies as a "dependent" for benefits like education assistance and employment preferences. Key provisions include allowing spouses of disabled veterans to claim employment preference if the veteran cannot, and extending free distinctive vehicle license plates (for up to two vehicles) to disabled veterans and surviving spouses receiving VA dependency compensation. The bill also clarifies residency requirements for dependents and streamlines proof of VA compensation eligibility.