AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 37-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the creation of a burial medallion program for veterans.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Nels Christianson and 11 co-sponsors

ND DVA must create and run a burial medallion program for National Guard members not covered by other medallions, with specifics to be determined by the department.

Filed with Secretary Of State 03/14

HB 1293 — Burial Medallion Program for Veterans (North Dakota)

Summary
- Purpose: Establish a state program to provide small burial medallions that indicate veteran status for certain National Guard members who otherwise lack eligibility for an existing state or federal veteran medallion.
- Primary sponsor(s): Representatives Vetter, D. Johnston, Kiefert, Klemin, Lefor, Christianson, Longmuir; Senators Cory, Dever, Larson, Meyer, Sickler.
- Statutory location: Adds a new section to NDCC chapter 37‑18 (veterans’ affairs).

Key provisions
- Definition: “Medallion” — a small, durable marker attached to an existing headstone or grave marker to indicate a veteran’s status.
- Program creation: Directs the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ND DVA) to establish and administer a burial medallion program.
- Eligibility: Medallions are to be provided for National Guard or National Guard Reserve members who:
- are not buried in the state veterans’ cemetery, and
- do not qualify for another medallion from the state or federal department of veterans affairs.
- Administration details: The bill requires the department to create and run the program. The text does not specify application procedures, fee/costs, procurement, or a funding appropriation.

Who is affected
- Eligible individuals: families of eligible National Guard / National Guard Reserve members (for graves not in state veteran cemetery) who lack other medallion eligibility.
- State agencies: North Dakota Department of Veterans’ Affairs — responsible for program design and ongoing administration.
- Local cemeteries and monument owners: medallions are intended to be attached to existing headstones/grave markers.

Fiscal and operational impact
- The bill contains no explicit appropriation or funding mechanism; potential fiscal effect is likely modest (costs for producing/distributing medallions and minimal administrative workload). Exact costs depend on program design (number of medallions, production costs, staffing, application process).
- Implementation may require ND DVA rulemaking or internal guidance to set eligibility verification, application/ordering procedures, and distribution logistics.

Procedural / timeline notes
- Introduced: November 13, 2024.
- Legislative action: Unanimously passed both chambers per enrolled bill record (House 92–0; Senate 46–0). Enrollment and transmittal actions appear in the legislative history; record shows filing with the Secretary of State on March 14, 2025 and later legislative notification identifying the measure as Act 414.
- Effective/operational date: Not specified in the bill text; actual program start depends on ND DVA rulemaking and any implementation guidance issued after enactment.

Observation
- The statute establishes authority and responsibility but leaves program specifics (application, verification, costs, and funding) to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to design. Families seeking medallions should expect the department to publish eligibility and application procedures after enactment.