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 veterans' services, transportation grants, and a new 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 approved line items.

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 appointment and qualifications of the commissioner of veterans' affairs, who must now be a bona fide resident and a qualified veteran, and the responsibilities of the committee, which will now focus on advising the governor regarding veterans' affairs. The bill also exempts certain appropriations from unexpended funds provisions, allowing them to continue into the next biennium. An emergency clause is included for immediate effect on specific provisions.

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