If enacted, HB1135 will expand the current provisions under the veterans' aid fund, allowing applicants to receive multiple loans while ensuring the total amount does not exceed $8,000. This alteration is designed to improve the financial assistance framework, thereby offering more substantial support to those who have served in the military, promoting their reintegration into society and mitigating financial hardships that veterans may experience.
Summary
House Bill 1135 proposes amendments to sections 37-14-04 and 37-14-06 of the North Dakota Century Code regarding the veterans' aid fund. The bill aims to enhance financial support to veterans and their surviving spouses by allowing for loans up to $8,000. This change intends to provide greater access to necessary funds for veterans, recognizing their service and the challenges they often face in obtaining financial resources.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the unanimous votes during legislative discussions. Both the House and Senate demonstrated strong support, highlighting the importance of providing aid to veterans. This consensus indicates a recognition of the sacrifices made by service members and an acknowledgment of the necessity for continued support from the state.
Contention
While there was broad support for HB1135, discussions may have touched on potential issues such as the adequacy of the funding allocated to the veterans' aid fund and whether an increase in loan limits could lead to higher default rates. However, no significant points of contention were recorded in the voting history, which shows that the proposal was met with agreement among the legislators involved.
An information fund and continuing appropriation to pay publication and statistical processing expenses, organization claim file destruction, penalty for violation of a safety rule or regulation, and the retrospective rating program.
The legacy investment for technology program, the North Dakota development fund, the workforce enhancement council, the administration of uncrewed aircraft system programs, workforce development grants to tribally controlled community colleges, and a North Dakota development fund grant program; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.
Baseline funding and the determination of state school aid, loans from the coal development trust fund, and evidences of indebtedness; to provide an appropriation; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.
A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
The flexible transportation fund, motor vehicle excise tax allocations, an appropriation for township roadway funding, and the appropriation of bond proceeds for transportation projects; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.