This bill provides an appropriation for the Department of Veterans' Affairs in North Dakota, detailing funding for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It includes a total appropriation of $5,007,966, with specific allocations for various programs such as transportation grants, service dogs, and a veterans' home cemetery. Notably, the bill introduces a new "Base Level Enhancements Appropriation" and specifies a one-time funding amount of $500,000 for homeless veterans' services, along with an additional $291,500 for the veterans' home cemetery. The bill also allows for the transfer of funds from a new and vacant full-time equivalent (FTE) pool to other line items approved by the previous legislative assembly.

In addition to the appropriations, the bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code, primarily shifting oversight from the "administrative committee on veterans' affairs" to the governor. Key amendments include the requirement that the commissioner of veterans' affairs be a bona fide resident and a qualified veteran, and the establishment of the committee's role in advising the governor on veterans' affairs. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of the committee and its subcommittees, emphasizing their advisory role in the administration of veterans' services. An emergency clause is included, indicating the urgency of certain provisions within the bill.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations - Human Resources Division Committee: 37-15-03, 37-15-07, 37-15-16, 37-18-01, 37-18-07, 37-18-12, 37-18.1-03
Enrollment: 37-15-03, 37-15-07, 37-15-16, 37-18-01, 37-18-07, 37-18-12, 37-18.1-03