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HB 1403

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, further providing for program of continuing professional and paraprofessional education.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 23 co-sponsors

Designates the third Friday in September as Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day in North Dakota, with a governor proclamation, ceremonial only, not a closure or paid holiday

Referred to Education
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Bill Summary · HB 1403

Summary — HB 1403 (North Dakota)

AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 1‑03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the designation of Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day as a state holiday

Purpose and intent

The bill establishes a recurring, statewide day of recognition to honor persons who were Prisoners of War (POW) and those Missing in Action (MIA). It designates the third Friday in September of each year as "Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day" and directs the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the day.

(The choice of the third Friday in September aligns the designation with the federal National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which falls on that same weekday.)

Key provisions

  • Creates a new section in chapter 1‑03 of the North Dakota Century Code naming the third Friday in September each year as Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day.
  • Requires the governor to issue a proclamation each year designating that date as a state holiday to remember and honor those who were held captive and returned and those who remain missing.
  • Clarifies that the provision "may not be interpreted to make Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day a day on which schools and other entities are required to close." (The designation is commemorative rather than a mandatory closure or leave day.)

Who is affected

  • Veterans, families of POW/MIA service members, veterans’ service organizations, and the public (symbolic recognition and potential for commemorative events and observances).
  • State executive branch (administrative responsibility to issue the annual proclamation).
  • No mandatory operational or closure effects on schools, local governments, or businesses; there is no language creating paid leave or forced closures.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced: November 19, 2024 (House sponsors: Representatives Schneider, Brandenburg, Grueneich, D. Johnston, Klemin, Pyle, Davis, Hager; Senate sponsors: Senators Castaneda, Clemens, Dever, Marcellais).
  • Legislative action: Passed both chambers unanimously (House recorded Yeas 93, Nays 0; Senate recorded Yeas 47, Nays 0).
  • Signed by the Governor: June 20, 2025.
  • Effective date: September 1, 2025. The first observance under state law would be the third Friday in September 2025.

Fiscal impact

  • The bill is primarily ceremonial. No direct fiscal analysis is provided in the bill text; expected fiscal impact is minimal (administrative cost of issuing proclamations and any voluntary commemorative activities).

Notes

  • Because the statute explicitly disavows any requirement for closures, the designation functions as an official recognition and opportunity for statewide ceremonies and remembrance rather than as a paid holiday or closure mandate.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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