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HB 1148

Whistleblower protection; public policy; criminal punishment; fine; civil cause of action; effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Bullard and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes May as Military Appreciation Month in North Dakota and requires a yearly May 1 proclamation honoring U.S. armed forces members and their sacrifices.

Referred to Civil Judiciary
0
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Bill Summary · HB 1148

Summary — HB 1148 (North Dakota): Military Appreciation Month

Status: Enacted — Chapter 381 (approved by Governor May 6, 2025)
Bill filed: November 12, 2024
Chapter added to: North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 1-03

Purpose and intent

HB 1148 establishes May of each year as "Military Appreciation Month" in North Dakota and directs the Governor to issue an annual proclamation on May 1 honoring members of the United States Armed Forces — both veterans and those currently serving — and recognizing their contributions and sacrifices in defending the nation and preserving freedom.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new section to NDCC chapter 1-03 that:

    • Declares May of each year to be "Military Appreciation Month."
    • Requires the Governor to issue a proclamation on May 1 of each year honoring the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and acknowledging their significant contributions and sacrifices.

  • The provision is ceremonial/recognitional in nature; it does not create any programmatic duties, funding requirements, or penalties.

Who is affected

  • Governor’s Office: a recurring, ceremonial duty to issue the May 1 proclamation each year.
  • Members of the public, veterans, active-duty service members, and organizations that hold related commemorative events: the designation provides an official, statewide observance that may be used to coordinate recognition activities, ceremonies, outreach, and education during May.
  • State agencies: no mandatory programmatic obligations or budgetary responsibilities are created by the statute.

Procedural / timeline highlights

  • Filed: November 12, 2024
  • Read/introduced in chamber (legislative activity recorded beginning March 7, 2025)
  • Final recorded roll-call votes on the enrollment copy: House — Yeas 90, Nays 0; Senate — Yeas 47, Nays 0
  • Enrolled and transmitted to Governor; signed into law and approved as Chapter 381 on May 6, 2025

Fiscal and operational impact

  • Minimal to no fiscal impact. The bill creates a ceremonial observance and a proclamation requirement that is routine for the Governor’s Office; no new programs, staff, or appropriations are required.

Practical effect

HB 1148 provides an annual, formal recognition mechanism for honoring veterans and service members in North Dakota and may serve as the basis for statewide events or local observances during May. It is primarily symbolic and intended to promote public acknowledgment of military service.

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

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