The bill amends and reenacts sections 37-01-03 and 37-01-43 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on the operation and regulation of the North Dakota National Guard. In section 37-01-03, the bill updates the reference to the articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Manual for Courts-Martial to the 2024 editions, ensuring that the legal framework governing military offenses remains current. It clarifies that individuals committing offenses while on military duty can be tried by a court-martial even after their duty has ended, and it allows commanders to administer nonjudicial punishment for such offenses, with the stipulation that service members cannot demand a trial by court-martial.

In section 37-01-43, the bill reaffirms that individuals called to active service for thirty consecutive days or longer are entitled to the protections provided under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, as of December 31, 2024. This amendment ensures that North Dakota's military personnel receive the same legal protections as those in the broader United States military, thereby enhancing their rights and support during active service.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 37-01-03, 37-01-43
Enrollment: 37-01-03, 37-01-43
INTRODUCED: 37-01-03, 37-01-43