This bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code to clarify and enhance eligibility for certain benefits available to veterans and their dependents. Key changes include the definition of "dependent" for veterans' benefits, which now specifies that a dependent includes children, stepchildren, spouses, widows, or widowers of veterans with a one hundred percent service-connected disability or those who have died from service-related causes. The language has been updated to replace phrases like "that brings" with "which results in," ensuring clarity in the eligibility criteria for benefits such as educational assistance and property tax credits.

Additionally, the bill addresses the eligibility for vehicle registration exemptions for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses, allowing them to register vehicles without cost under specific conditions. It also establishes that if a determination of disability or service-connected death occurs after a veteran's death, the eligibility for benefits is presumed to have existed prior to the veteran's death. The effective dates for certain provisions are set for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and for taxable events occurring after June 30, 2025.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15-10-18.2, 37-19.1-03, 39-04-18, 57-02-08.8, 57-40.3-04
Enrollment: 15-10-18.2, 37-19.1-03, 39-04-18, 57-02-08.8, 57-40.3-04