North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2025

Caption

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the department of veterans' affairs; to amend and reenact sections 37-15-03, 37-15-07, 37-15-16, 37-18-01, and 37-18-07, subsection 1 of section 37-18-12, and section 37-18.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the administrative committee on veterans' affairs; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 2025 is an act aimed at providing an appropriation for the North Dakota Department of Veterans' Affairs for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The bill allocates a total of $5,007,966, which includes base level enhancements and funding for various programs such as transportation for veterans, service dogs, and the establishment of a veterans' home cemetery. Additionally, it includes provisions for one-time funding for homeless veterans' services and a transfer to the veterans' postwar trust fund. The bill also amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to the governance and administration of veterans' affairs. It clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the administrative committee on veterans' affairs, the commissioner of veterans' affairs, and the governing board of the veterans' home. These amendments aim to enhance the oversight and management of services provided to veterans in the state. Furthermore, the bill establishes guidelines for the management of unclaimed estates of veterans and allows the department to accept and expend funds from various sources to assist veterans and their spouses. The bill is declared an emergency measure, indicating its urgency in addressing the needs of veterans in North Dakota.

Impact

If enacted, SB2025 will significantly impact the funding and administrative structure of the North Dakota Department of Veterans' Affairs. The appropriation will provide necessary resources for various veteran services, including transportation, service animals, and cemetery operations. The amendments to the Century Code will streamline the governance of veterans' affairs, ensuring that veterans receive timely and effective support. Overall, the bill aims to improve the quality of life for veterans and their families in North Dakota.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2025 appears to be largely positive, as it addresses critical funding and administrative needs for veterans' services. The bill received substantial support in the Senate, passing with a vote of 43 in favor and only 3 against. In the House, it also garnered considerable backing, with 69 votes in favor and 22 against. The urgency of the bill, indicated by its emergency declaration, reflects a strong commitment from lawmakers to prioritize veterans' affairs.

Contention

While the overall sentiment is positive, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of funds and the specific programs funded by the bill. Some legislators may express concerns about the sufficiency of the appropriations or the prioritization of certain services over others. However, no specific opposition or contentious points were highlighted in the available discussion transcripts or voting records.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2025

The administrative committee on veterans' affairs; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1079

The renaming of divisions within the department of emergency services.

ND HB1135

The veterans' aid fund.

ND SB2007

Meals provided to employees of the veterans' home; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1180

Eligibility for certain veteran earned benefits; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2198

National guard or federal service leave of absence for state and political subdivision employees and the definition of veteran; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1504

The veterans' postwar trust fund.

ND HB1074

The operation and regulation of the North Dakota national guard.

ND SB2106

Weather modification; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2264

The definition of marriage and the recognition of marital relationships.

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PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.