[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6317503,"mediaKeyId","2372594-89d68e1bc0410b9e7ac729568da2c4f9","parentId",2372594,"title","Committee advances fix to statute language to align state veteran benefit rules with VA terminology","audioSeconds",906,"startMs",7500000,"endMs",8406000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2372594-89d68e1bc0410b9e7ac729568da2c4f9&start=7500&end=8406","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2372594-89d68e1bc0410b9e7ac729568da2c4f9/thumbnail_7500000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6317503/North-Dakota/Committee-advances-fix-to-statute-language-to-align-state-veteran-benefit-rules-with-VA-terminology","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317503-d0695aaec57487e91b1085b862325996/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157001&Signature=H-Bq3knMKpQN7T7lGXu60DpE1XOG54v-PbtkOUfmwfjSecffrmHx-JeCYaVZzr7VOj1CadfaR-tpozXCb8OA0SO~2ZVIoRkbdV2BhcJW-bgz0EG7M38fwc9nl10fqbghaxuvzPs~NF2vSypfATQ8PuThPVRWoY~k69LGtvYrrKmCS43rfIDCWSlB8zFTQu46xH~DyzNsZPktTqmAcBWLJ00GoUyom6eVl2xDZcNRcPGqJfY5ZHHDJG-yeAieU1D~zDvWWvX7DPVjxeHFX6f21u0c6UVb1dLz7og2i31Asa9utongMbtWKXx77MeJACYBCg2qeyZaVjftfaQW6sZklw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Dakota State Legislature","date","2025-02-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee voted to give House Bill 11‑80 a do-pass recommendation. The bill updates statutory language to align North Dakota Century Code with federal Department of Veterans Affairs terminology for combined service‑connected disability evaluations and Individual Unemployability (IU) findings.

Representative Brandy Pyle, sponsor of the bill, described it as housekeeping with “significant implications” and said mismatches between state statutory wording and VA letters cause delays and denials at local offices. “Our intent with this bill is…to clear up the language in North Dakota Century Code to reflect the verbiage used in VA letters on a combined service connected evaluation and individual unemployability,” Pyle said.

Lonnie Wong, commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs, showed how the VA reports a combined service‑connected evaluation (for example 90 percent) while separately recognizing that an individual is paid at the 100 percent rate because of IU. The VA’s method for combining multiple disability ratings — sometimes referred to in testimony as “VA math” — uses multiplicative steps and rounding that can make a veteran’s combined percentage look less than 100 percent even when the veteran receives 100 percent compensation because they are rated as unemployable. Wong explained that local staff unfamiliar with the VA format may deny state benefits that require a 100 percent determination because the front page of the VA letter shows a combined percentage less than 100.

Wong and Pyle said the bill does not create new benefits or change eligibility rules; it simply clarifies statutory wording so veterans who are paid at the 100 percent IU rate by the VA are recognized for state programs that rely on that standard. Examples given in testimony of state benefits affected included tuition waivers for dependents, property tax exemptions, and vehicle excise exemptions tied to a 100 percent rating.

After testimony and questions, the committee voted to advance the bill with a do-pass recommendation.

Ending: Supporters said the change will reduce administrative confusion at local agencies and help veterans secure benefits they already earn under federal determinations; the bill was recommended for passage by committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Friday, Feb 21, 2025 8:25 AM - 10:48 AM","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 11-80 would amend North Dakota law to match Department of Veterans Affairs terminology on combined service‑connected evaluations and individual unemployability so veterans receive intended state benefits without administrative confusion.","taxTitle","Agriculture and Veterans Affairs, Senate, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28898,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317508,"Committee moves bill to make May Military Appreciation Month in North Dakota",820,5794000,6614000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2372594-89d68e1bc0410b9e7ac729568da2c4f9&start=5794&end=6614","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2372594-89d68e1bc0410b9e7ac729568da2c4f9/thumbnail_5794000.jpg","/articles/6317508/North-Dakota/Committee-moves-bill-to-make-May-Military-Appreciation-Month-in-North-Dakota","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317508-2585ee58060dedd7948c8fc9f1837e17/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157001&Signature=e-mvy29~eLQHhOfA9G2WLBmNYcd3oi3ppj-YDM7H64ukfHOdtHYZ9tQqGK3uh431pev8Jr~ZDOFKVl1ylwITAR1PX8OLudmda6enWlUZGaXtGCdht53VBwIlcKzp1~U6kFmhtawt6e1JV3piEBpNzgEhcf8INHclPTRAMbMrqnkvdKyZIDmeJlVXektuB7YxuIssbM~4mRRRqtVqXYDG8jQZ~kZnWTzinRjWdUYfVsVYGIcGk5hDNZ94~X1eeZM1lr7NiGA2vJxOJzKrPyeg4MCtbCeFxT405loDWW7vzs4MiwdOpL9KDp2cdN83YXBk7NOpANYLOMuRTO8U8-7dSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee recommended a do-pass for House Bill 11‑48, which would designate the month of May as Military Appreciation Month in North Dakota and require an annual gubernatorial proclamation.

Representative Kathy Fralick, sponsor of the bill, said the measure was proposed by a constituent and modeled on existing state recognitions such as Women Veterans Month. “House Bill 11‑48 designates the month of May as military appreciation month,” Fralick said, adding that she selected statutory codification rather than a resolution so the observance would persist between legislative sessions.

Jason Pierce, a retired service member and commander of VFW Post 756 in Devil’s Lake, testified in support and explained the choice of May: “The reason I picked May, because of Memorial Day, it's the first holiday where people really start thinking about the soldiers,” Pierce said. He also urged recognition of military families, noting the burdens they carry when service members are absent for training or deployment.

Jim Nelson, legislative director of the North Dakota Veterans Legislative Council, and Lonnie Wong, commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs, both testified in favor. Wong noted that several federally recognized Armed Forces observances occur in May — including Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day — and said codifying May as Military Appreciation Month would ensure an annual proclamation and avoid missed observances.

The committee heard no opposition during the public testimony and voted to advance the bill with a do-pass recommendation.

Ending: The bill will move forward with committee approval; sponsors said the statutory designation would make annual proclamations routine and create opportunities for local recognition of active-duty and National Guard personnel and their families.","House Bill 11-48 would designate May as Military Appreciation Month and direct the governor to issue an annual proclamation; sponsors said May was chosen to align with Memorial Day and other federal military observances.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317512,"Committee advances bill to designate third Friday in September as POW/MIA Day in North Dakota",1247,3818000,5065000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2372594-89d68e1bc0410b9e7ac729568da2c4f9&start=3818&end=5065","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2372594-89d68e1bc0410b9e7ac729568da2c4f9/thumbnail_3818000.jpg","/articles/6317512/North-Dakota/Committee-advances-bill-to-designate-third-Friday-in-September-as-POWMIA-Day-in-North-Dakota","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317512-fe2f42232f262019a822088e2203244e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157001&Signature=KToYkxiitqlIGca1I-eJJDGi9r0BTbd5VM3iDd8onpFeSg3VTVNg0C43NPwkeQ4qOLO5fiHVM7FN5DP3Gs8FDw9uHor77s3MtAtjSBgQrdYRi-9reWdt7FUTHl6M4HNev2yqmUpN36qxEfX7TQNssv3AvT6MGYkCwO20WWYERcxpFZ2McjYb1ChwmKlZnh-E3AorShuQYAkVBORCC~UGmLpepUfflYAdS-mR5Nk5-cbFgOj7tCmldnZEwBTzvD9g~Z8sr4ju7pIdVQBO0xs8y0ExewBiGwYoEwN-L7XjSDTRjlu~rwZCRihPRmu5yb3S6K1iW0J~gp24vX0ks~vbxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee recommended a do-pass for House Bill 14‑03, which would establish the third Friday in September each year as Prisoner of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Day in North Dakota and direct the governor to issue an annual proclamation.

Representative Mary Schneider, sponsor of the bill, said the designation would provide a recurring, formal recognition for POWs and MIAs. “HB 14‑03 would make the third Friday in September of each year prisoner of war and missing in action day a state holiday in North Dakota,” Schneider said, clarifying that the proposal would be a day of recognition and not a paid holiday requiring closure of schools or businesses.

Multiple witnesses testified in favor. Senator Richard Marsley, a sponsor in the Senate, recounted the importance of the POW/MIA flag and personal ties to a former POW, calling the day a meaningful recognition for families who have lacked closure. Jim Nelson, legislative director for the North Dakota Veterans Legislative Council, described historical numbers and called the designation “vitally important,” citing federal recognition of a national POW/MIA observance and noting roughly 81,000 still listed as missing nationally.

Lonnie Wong, commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs, also supported the bill and said putting the observance into state law would ensure annual proclamations and prevent the date from being overlooked. “If we put it in law then it just happens and we don't forget those that on the very flag says you are not forgotten,” Wong said.

Testimony included personal accounts and advocacy from veterans and veterans’ groups. The committee held no recorded opposition and moved a do-pass recommendation; votes were recorded in favor by members present.

Ending: The committee advanced HB 14‑03 with a do-pass recommendation; sponsors and veterans’ representatives said the statutory designation would ensure consistent annual recognition by the governor.","House Bill 14-03 would direct the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the third Friday in September as Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day; the committee recommended a do-pass after testimony from veterans and legislators.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317517,"Committee backs bill to create state burial medallion for National Guard and reserve members",519,2080000,2599000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2372594-89d68e1bc0410b9e7ac729568da2c4f9&start=2080&end=2599","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2372594-89d68e1bc0410b9e7ac729568da2c4f9/thumbnail_2080000.jpg","/articles/6317517/North-Dakota/Committee-backs-bill-to-create-state-burial-medallion-for-National-Guard-and-reserve-members","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317517-e330bd3e8137482507cf63cd0e0c9389/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157001&Signature=GURMyDlsxqOXl9gJOteXktPGO2VXHE~9kYeyvwxtSWHc4gYYLD2yAaVVdeYsyS-TEEWBQ5j6FOJN~dFeaamghldTaUlZMSMr1qlC6FqYMNC9RAA0chmEdxobZn-ohiQq5uVDex39otWrYoHG~EPKh-UEL6LK7NiCfOh21vtF-P3OuY56tXxIijJukhpQjDghdQChM~RbpjYbqpIprq-iEhMgojaycAOHhhrPhi7B5wdFakou5F6r8yRnxaMz9HjXIRoqVtCu492B22b4P1v6Pf3kpACixB6EwKQ0voxRF~36ljiWVEIsBFyknnA7bwAp9Nw5~y43Kili~ycK82MC0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee gave a do-pass recommendation to House Bill 12‑93, a proposal to create a North Dakota burial medallion for National Guard and Reserve members who are not eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs headstones or markers.

Representative Steve Vetter, R-District 18, introduced the bill and said it would “allow national guard members to have burial markers like other branches of the military.” He said the change aims to provide parity of recognition for Guard and Reserve personnel buried in private cemeteries.

Lonnie Wong, commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, testified the medallion would be available to North Dakota National Guard and Reserve members who are not otherwise eligible for VA National Cemetery Administration markers. “The medallion would be designed and approved by the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs and North Dakota National Guard and Reserve representatives,” Wong said, adding that the department would aim to produce a weather‑resistant design that can be affixed to stone headstones.

Wong said the bill would not automatically provide retroactive medallions at no cost because the department cannot yet estimate how many existing graves would qualify; families of deceased veterans might be offered a medallion for a cost if they request one. He noted that medallions provided by the VA are affixed to privately purchased headstones and that the state medallion would serve a similar purpose for those not eligible under current federal markers.

Committee members asked practical questions about burial at the Mandan State Veterans Cemetery, spouse interment, and design elements of medallions. Wong confirmed spouses can be buried with veterans in the state cemetery, and discussion clarified prior work to waive spouse burial fees at Mandan.

After testimony, the committee moved a do-pass recommendation; the roll showed affirmative votes from members present. There was no recorded opposition during the hearing.

Ending: The committee closed the hearing and advanced HB 12‑93 with a do-pass recommendation; legislative sponsors and agency staff said design, production and any retroactive distribution would be handled through administrative processes if the law is enacted.","The committee recommended a do-pass for House Bill 12-93, which would authorize a state-produced burial medallion for North Dakota National Guard and Reserve members not eligible for VA markers; the Department of Veterans Affairs would design and approve the medallion with stakeholder input.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317522,"Senate committee advances bill to raise Veterans Aid Fund loan limit to $8,000",487,277000,764000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2372594-89d68e1bc0410b9e7ac729568da2c4f9&start=277&end=764","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2372594-89d68e1bc0410b9e7ac729568da2c4f9/thumbnail_277000.jpg","/articles/6317522/North-Dakota/Senate-committee-advances-bill-to-raise-Veterans-Aid-Fund-loan-limit-to-8000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317522-d936fa982a0062ae5d76a05e302c51c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157001&Signature=lrj2SjW~3YAJgsdyijJkiaclXzOdFMekaYDtmYgFcruvegVKEzQGuQrDncBlkdEYh6H6Ya7e1qA5Mq96I0aRqWVploYRGUUqT3Hemb4mnWZVkZYNb~G3B-An2DYSHcarKctRnZacvDaot5e7J2pMvaAutEzbwKq5HFvZ0ZDzZBe57sA3WIqTZtbaUGlYMFsDo6TSd5rCgQv1rBFksCWj~WenWoNCXoB2xm-Y8MgVmWBaWBtOWJ-ROi4RZ9H~l17GE~2ap3REvXl2ETkemIh6dLFMO6L9p5W3ks9PvPXoiNAqm1ALRTsCI4dsy9ZIAfXRQTqdw1--80tuSVmHWMXO6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee on Thursday recommended a “do pass” on House Bill 11-35, a bill that would raise the maximum loan available from the state Veterans Aid Fund to $8,000.

Representative Brandy Pyle, R-District 22, introduced the bill, saying the fund “serves as a revolving loan fund providing financial assistance to veterans [and] surviving spouses who have not remarried,” and noting the fund’s authorization has not been updated in more than two decades. “Given this long period of time without adjustment, I believe it is both reasonable and necessary to make a small increase in this loan authorization,” Pyle said.

The bill would increase the maximum unsecured loan veterans can receive from the fund to $8,000. Lonnie Wong, commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, testified in favor and explained the program’s mechanics: the Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs can set an interest rate up to 10 percent; the program currently charges 8 percent and refunds half the interest for timely repayment. “With the loan right now we've got a little over maybe $150,000 loaned out and well over $400,000 available,” Wong said, adding that the interest paid helps cover administrative costs and that written-off loans have been rare.

Committee members asked how the revolving feature operates; Wong said borrowers who reduce a loan balance can re-borrow up to the statutory maximum but may not exceed the $8,000 cap the bill would set. He also said the loans may be used for any purpose except debt consolidation, which the department discourages because it historically increased delinquency and collection difficulty.

After testimony, a motion for a do-pass recommendation was made and the clerk recorded affirmative votes from members present. The committee recorded a unanimous recommendation in favor and named Senator Weston as the carry senator.

The bill’s supporters described it as not creating a fiscal cost to taxpayers because it modifies the limit on a revolving loan fund rather than creating a new subsidy. The testimony cited inflation and the national average for unsecured loans — “just over $8,000” — as reasons for selecting the new cap.

If enacted, the legislative change would allow the Veterans Aid Fund to issue individual loans of up to $8,000 and continue using repaid principal to fund future loans. The bill will next proceed to the floor where the sponsor and the designated carrier will present it.

Ending: The committee closed the public hearing after hearing no opposition or neutral testimony and advanced the bill with a do-pass recommendation.","The North Dakota Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee voted to give House Bill 11-35 a “do pass” recommendation to raise the maximum loan from the Veterans Aid Fund to $8,000; supporters said the increase will restore purchasing power lost to inflation and the fund is a revolving loan program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee advances fix to statute language to align state veteran benefit rules with VA terminology

Committee moves bill to make May Military Appreciation Month in North Dakota

Committee advances bill to designate third Friday in September as POW/MIA Day in North Dakota

Committee backs bill to create state burial medallion for National Guard and reserve members

Senate committee advances bill to raise Veterans Aid Fund loan limit to $8,000