AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to military appreciation month.
Summary
HB 1148 creates a new section in chapter 1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code establishing May as Military Appreciation Month. The bill directs the governor to issue a proclamation on May 1 each year recognizing the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, both past and present, and honoring their service, sacrifices, and contributions to national defense and freedom.
The measure is primarily ceremonial and commemorative rather than regulatory or fiscal. It does not create a new program, benefit, or enforcement mechanism; instead, it adds a formal state recognition to the calendar and assigns the governor a yearly proclamation duty. The bill amends state law by adding this designation to the Century Code, which gives the observance official statutory status in North Dakota.
Impact
HB 1148 affects North Dakota law by adding a new statutory observance in chapter 1-03 and requiring an annual gubernatorial proclamation each May 1. Its practical impact is limited to state recognition and public acknowledgment of military service, with no direct changes to rights, obligations, or funding for affected parties. The bill primarily impacts the governor’s office and serves veterans, active-duty service members, and military families through symbolic recognition.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the House 90-0 and the Senate 47-0, indicating unanimous approval in both chambers. The voting history suggests strong bipartisan agreement and a favorable sentiment toward honoring military service.
Contention
There is little to no visible contention around HB 1148. No committee transcripts are available, and the unanimous votes in both chambers suggest that lawmakers generally agreed on the value of formally recognizing military service. Any discussion would likely have centered on the symbolic nature of the observance rather than on policy disputes, costs, or implementation concerns.