Senate Bill 21-98, as amended, removes a 90-day waiting period that had prevented newly hired state employees from immediately using statutory paid military leave for National Guard or other uniformed service obligations.

Jay Sheldon, strategy and policy officer for the North Dakota National Guard, explained the bill addresses cases where a newly hired state employee is called to annual training or other service within their first 90 days and therefore must take unpaid leave despite the state's expressed support for Guard service. "We support this change, to allow, or to waive the 90 day waiting period to use military leave so that future state employees who are members of the National Guard are not punished for their service within that first 90 days of employment," Sheldon said.

Lonnie Wong, Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, described related technical edits to align state definitions with federal 'uniformed services' language and said the change is largely housekeeping to maintain prior practice in statute. Sponsor Senator Josh Beauche (District 44) told the committee he was removing the 90-day restriction and said the statutory waiting period originated decades ago.

The committee considered an amendment to add an emergency clause so the change takes effect immediately when signed and filed; Representative Warrie moved the amendment and Representative Hager seconded. The amendment, including the emergency clause, passed 12-0 with 1 absent. Afterward the committee recommended a do pass on SB 21-98 as amended; the committee vote was recorded as 12 yes, 0 no, 1 absent. Representative Jonas agreed to carry the bill to the floor.