ND Veterans Affairs News: State

Relating to the operation of the North Dakota national guard.

Relating to the expansion of the national guard tuition grants to include out-of-state postsecondary education institutions.

HOUSE AMENDMENTS

• Declared an emergency.
• Excluded "out of state" online or remote courses.

SENATE/HOUSE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

• Acceded all amendments.
• Added: NDNG to report to Legislative Management by 6/01/2024 on grant usage.

Relating to the pay and benefits received by national guard members; to amend and reenact subsection 9 of section 37‑17.1‑05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to response to disasters or emergencies; and to repeal sections 37‑04‑08, 37‑04‑09, 37‑04‑11, 37‑04‑12, 37‑04‑13, and 37‑07‑05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to expenses and pay of officer and enlisted members of the national guard.

the daily pay rate for each of the grades listed must be increased as follows:

a. E-3 - fifty-five percent.

b. E-4 - forty-five percent.

Relating to an exception to membership in the teachers' fund for retirement for retired military personnel.

Relating to hunting and fishing license, permit, and application fees for out‑of‑state national guard members; and to amend and reenact section 20.1‑01‑02, subsection 3 of section 20.1‑03‑07.1, subsection 4 of section 20.1‑04‑12.1, and section 20.1‑06‑14 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to hunting and fishing license, permit, and application fees for out‑of‑state national guard members.

HOUSE ACTION:

• Removed "former member of the national guard"
• Removed most of the law?

Relating to virtual instruction of military-connected students; and to amend and reenact section 15.1‑20‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to compulsory school attendance.

Intent of Bill: Allow students of military parents who are transferred to or out of ND to attend beginning or end of school year in order to complete that year of schooling.

HOUSE ACTIONS:

Amended: added "Students with a medical condition, or students moving out of state"

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the office of the adjutant general; and to provide an exemption.

SENATE ACTION:

Added request from SB 2307.

$71,000,000 to the adjutant general, including:

(1) $26,000,000 for a Williston armory project.     Senate approved $2.6 Million for design and engineering (ARPA Funds)

(2) $20,000,000 for a military museum project.     Senate did not approve. 

A BILL for an Act to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the veterans' home.

Optional package

Relating to designating the bridge on state highway 18 as the veterans memorial bridge; and to provide a continuing appropriation.