# Title 37 — Military

## Chapter 37-01 — General Provisions

### § 37-01-01. Definitions.

In this title, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Active militia" means the organized and uniformed military forces of this state known
as the "North Dakota national guard" and the reserve militia when called to active
service.
2. "Active service" means state active duty in case of public disaster, riot, tumult, breach
of the peace, resistance of process, or the threat thereof, whenever called in aid of civil
authorities, or under martial law, or at encampments, whether ordered by state or
federal authorities, and includes the performance of any other duty requiring the entire
time of the organization or person, except when called or drafted into the federal
service by the president of the United States. The term includes service in case of, or
to prevent, insurrection, riot, or invasion under the order of the commander in chief
communicated through proper military channels.
3. "Adjutant general coin" means a coin or medallion bearing the state's adjutant
general's organization insignia or emblem.
4. "Armed forces" means army, marine corps, navy, air force, space force, and coast
guard.
5. "Disaster response coin" means a coin or medallion bearing a design to commemorate
the response during a state disaster or emergency.
6. "Military" means armed forces.
7. "Military forces of this state" means those individuals in the active militia.
8. "Militia" means a group of individuals defined in the Constitution of North Dakota.
9. "National guard" means that part of the military forces of this state which is organized,
equipped, and federally recognized under the provisions of the National Defense Act,
as amended, of the United States as the "national guard, air national guard, of the
United States and the state of North Dakota". The term includes also the term "national
guard of the state of North Dakota".
10. "On duty" includes periods of drill and of such other training and service as may be
required under state or federal law, regulation, or order.
11. "Reserve militia" consists of all those individuals who are subject to service in the
active militia and who are not serving in the national guard of this state.
12. "State active duty" means active service on behalf of the state under authority of the
governor at the expense of the state.
13. "State defense force" means the group of individuals in the reserve militia in state
active duty under chapter 37-12.1.
14. "Uniformed services" means the armed forces, national oceanic and atmospheric
administration commissioned officer corps, and the commissioned corps of the United
States public health service.
### § 37-01-02. Armed military force from another state entering this state for military duty

prohibited - Exceptions.
No armed military force from another state, territory, or district may enter this state for the
purpose of doing military duty herein without the permission of the governor, unless such force
is a part of the United States army or is acting under the authority of the United States of
America.

### § 37-01-03. Articles of uniform code of military justice applicable in state - Regulations

governing - Punishment for offenses while on duty.
The articles of uniform code of military justice [10 U.S.C. 801-950] in effect on
December 31, 2024, governing the armed forces of the United States and the Manual for
Courts-Martial, United States, 2024 edition, are a part of this title so far as the articles are
applicable and not modified by any provision of this title. An individual who commits an offense
while on military duty status, including state active duty, may be tried by a court-martial lawfully
appointed even after the duty has terminated, and if found guilty, the accused must be punished
according to the articles of uniform code of military justice and the rules and regulations
governing the armed forces of the United States, within the limits prescribed in this title and by
federal law for the courts-martial in the national guard. In any case in which the individual
alleged to have committed the offense could be charged either under the code of military justice
or the civil law of this state, the officer whose duty it is to approve the charge, in the officer's
discretion, may order the person charged or subject to being charged to be turned over to the
civil authorities for trial. Commanders may administer nonjudicial punishment for offenses while
on military duty status, including state active duty, in accordance with part V, Manual for
Courts-Martial, except the service member may not demand a trial by courts-martial. When
reference is made to the articles of uniform code of military justice, to the military service, or to
the armed forces of the United States, the reference must be deemed to include the military
service of this state. Laws of this state affecting the military forces must be construed to conform
to all acts and regulations of the United States affecting the same subjects.
### § 37-01-04. Governor's authority to order out national guard - Reserve militia ordered

out.
In case of insurrection, invasion, tumult, riot, breach of the peace, cyber attack, or imminent
danger thereof, to provide a presence at state ceremonial events, to provide assistance to
political entities in search and rescue efforts or to respond to a potential natural or
environmental hazard or nuisance, or to perform training activities, the governor may order into
the active service of this state any part of the national guard that the governor may deem
proper. When the national guard of this state, or a part thereof, is called forth under the
Constitution of the United States and the laws of the United States, the governor shall order out
for service the remaining troops or such part thereof as may be necessary. If the number of
available troops is insufficient, the governor shall order out such part of the reserve militia as the
governor may deem necessary.
### § 37-01-04.1. National guard emergency - Costs - Application to emergency

commission.
Whenever the governor orders the national guard or any portion thereof into the active
service of the state in accordance with sections 37-01-04 and 37-01-06, the adjutant general
shall determine and record the costs of the national guard in performing such service.
Immediately following the termination of such active service, or prior thereto if it is deemed
necessary by the adjutant general, the adjutant general shall make application to the state
emergency commission for a grant of funds from the contingency fund or other available funds
in the state treasury in an amount equal to the costs of the national guard in performing such
service. Notwithstanding other provisions of chapter 54-16, it must be conclusively presumed
upon the receipt of such application by the emergency commission from the adjutant general
that an emergency exists, and such commission shall forthwith grant and direct the transfer to
the credit of the national guard from the contingency fund or such other funds as may be
available of an amount equal to that certified in such application by the adjutant general.
### § 37-01-05. Absence of national guard from state - Designation not to be given to new

organization.
The state designation of an organization of the national guard which is absent from this
state in the service of the United States may not be given to any new organization.

### § 37-01-06. Seizure of property by governor to avert strike or lockout and to avert

disaster or calamity.
The governor, as commander in chief of the military forces of this state, may take any
measure necessary to prevent or avert any impending disaster or calamity which threatens to
destroy life or property in this state, or which may entail loss of life or property, or result in great
suffering or hardship among the people of this state. In the event of any strike or lockout, or
threatened strike or lockout, of the employees of any coal mine or public utility which threatens
to endanger the life and property of the people of this state, the governor may commandeer and
take for use during any such emergency any such coal mine or public utility together with the
machinery, equipment, and appurtenances of any such mine or utility which may be necessary
to save life and property. The governor may employ all help necessary for the operation of any
such coal mine or public utility and may make and enter into all contracts required for the
operation thereof. The governor may purchase any and all material necessary for operating any
such coal mine or public utility and may sell and distribute the products or services thereof.
### § 37-01-07. Facilities and services at disposal of governor upon taking over coal mine

or public utility.
When the governor is required to take over and use any coal mine or public utility as
provided in section 37-01-06, the governor may:
1. Use any of the facilities or offices of this state.
2. Command the services of the state militia.
### § 37-01-08. Proclamation of state of insurrection - Governor may proclaim.

If any portion of the militia is employed in aid of the civil authority, the governor, if in the
governor's judgment the maintenance of law and order will be promoted thereby, may declare
by proclamation the county or city in which the troops are serving, or any specified portion
thereof, to be in a state of insurrection.
### § 37-01-09. Service medals.

The commander in chief of the national guard of this state may issue an order providing
suitable service medals or ribbons or marks of distinction for all officers and enlisted members
who have served in the national guard for an aggregate period of five, ten, twenty, thirty, and
forty years, respectively, and for a like service thereafter or for service on active duty with the
armed forces of the United States. Such service medals or ribbons may also be awarded to any
member of the armed forces of the United States who shall serve in an active duty capacity with
the North Dakota national guard for a period of two or more years.
### § 37-01-10. Distinguished service medal - Presented by whom - Qualifications -

Regulations governing.
The governor, in the name of the legislative assembly of this state, may present a military
medal, known as the "distinguished service medal", to any member or former member of the
North Dakota national guard who in the discharge of the person's military duties has been
distinguished by extraordinary heroism or devotion to duty or to a member or former member of
the armed forces of the United States or the national guard of another state who performs
outstanding and extraordinary service for the national guard of this state. Such medal must bear
a suitable inscription and ribbon and must be of suitable military design. The award of a
distinguished service medal must be made by a board of awards consisting of the adjutant
general and senior officers of regiments or separate organizations of the national guard of this
state. Such board must be instituted by a general order of the adjutant general's office
prescribing rules and regulations for its meetings and method of procedure. Not more than one
distinguished service medal may be awarded to any one person and no medals may be
awarded or presented to any person whose service subsequent to the recommendations for
award has not been honorable. For each succeeding citation, a person to whom a distinguished
service medal has been awarded or presented previously is entitled to wear, as the adjutant
general of the state may direct, a metal device attached to the ribbon of such distinguished

service medal. In the event of the death of a person to whom a distinguished service medal has
been awarded, the presentation must be made to the nearest of kin.
### § 37-01-10.1. North Dakota legion of merit medal - Presented by whom - Qualifications -

Regulations governing.
The governor, in the name of the legislative assembly, may present a military medal known
as the "North Dakota legion of merit" to any member or former member of the North Dakota
national guard who, in the discharge of the person's military duty, has been distinguished by
outstanding service to the North Dakota national guard, and that person's community, state, and
nation. Such medal may also be awarded to a member or former member of the armed forces of
the United States or of the national guard of another state who performs outstanding service for
the guard of this state. The medal must bear a suitable inscription and must be of military design
as prescribed by the adjutant general. The medal must be awarded by the board of awards in
the same manner as prescribed in section 37-01-10.
### § 37-01-10.2. North Dakota state flag - Presented by whom - Qualifications.

A North Dakota state flag may be presented upon retirement to any member of the North
Dakota national guard upon the completion of twenty good years or more of military service.
### § 37-01-11. Members of active militia exempt from civil process.

No person belonging to the active militia of this state may be arrested on any warrant,
except for treason or felony, while going to, remaining at, or returning from any place which the
person may be required to attend for military duty.
### § 37-01-12. When members of national guard or militia exempt from civil or criminal

liability.
Members of the national guard or militia ordered into the active service of the state by any
proper authority are not civilly nor criminally liable for any act or acts done by them in the line of
duty. Members of the national guard or militia ordered into active service of the state must be
presumed to be acting in the line of duty except in the case of willful misconduct or gross
negligence. When a suit or proceeding is commenced in any court against an officer of the
militia for any act done by such officer in the officer's official capacity in the discharge of any
duty under the provisions of this title, or against any person acting under the authority or order
of any such officer or by virtue of any warrant issued by any such officer pursuant to law, the
defendant is entitled to legal representation provided by the attorney general, an assistant
attorney general, or a judge advocate officer at no cost. The defendant in such action may
require the person prosecuting or instituting the suit or proceeding to file security for the
payment of the costs that may be awarded to the defendant therein. The defendant in all such
cases may make a general denial and give the special matter in evidence. If the action is
dismissed or a verdict or judgment is rendered against the plaintiff, the defendant shall recover
treble costs in the action.
### § 37-01-13. Right of way of national guard while on duty - Exceptions - Interference with

- Penalty.
Commanding officers of any portion of the national guard parading or performing any
military duty in any street or highway may require any or all persons in such street or highway to
yield the right of way, except that the carriage of the United States mail, the legitimate functions
of the police, and the progress and operations of hospital ambulances and fire departments may
not be interfered with thereby. The adjutant general may provide for the issuance of special
identification plates to be placed upon the privately owned vehicles of members of the national
guard in order to properly identify vehicles operated by such members. All persons who hinder,
delay, or obstruct any portion of the national guard wherever parading or performing any military
duty are guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

### § 37-01-14. Free passage through toll gates, bridges, and ferries.

Any person belonging to the military forces of this state, going to or returning from any
parade, encampment, drill, or meeting which the person may be required by law to attend, must
be allowed to pass free through all toll gates and over all toll bridges and ferries, with the
person's conveyance and with any military property of this state in the person's charge, if the
person is in uniform or if the person presents an order for duty or a certificate of membership in
the national guard.
### § 37-01-15. Exemption from jury duty.

Repealed by S.L. 1977, ch. 113, § 1.
### § 37-01-16. Unlawful conversion of military property - Unlawful wearing of uniforms and

devices indicating rank - Penalty.
It is a class B misdemeanor for a person to:
1. Secretly sell, dispose of, offer for sale, purchase, retain after a demand made by a
commissioned officer of the national guard, or in any manner pawn or pledge any
arms, uniforms, equipment, or other military property issued under the provisions of
this title; or
2. Wear any uniform or any device, strap, knot, or insignia of any design or character
used as a designation of grade, rank, or office, prescribed by law, or by general
regulation duly promulgated, for the use of the national guard, or any device, strap,
knot, or insignia similar thereto, unless the person is a member of the army or navy of
the United States or of the national guard of this or any other state, a member of an
association wholly composed of soldiers who have been honorably discharged from
the service of the United States, or a member of the order of sons of veterans.
### § 37-01-17. Misuse of funds or property by officer or soldier of national guard.

Repealed by S.L. 1975, ch. 106, § 673.
### § 37-01-18. Officer or soldier of national guard making false certificate or return -

Misdemeanor.
Repealed by S.L. 1975, ch. 106, § 673.
### § 37-01-19. Commanding officer may arrest trespassers and disturbers.

Upon any occasion of duty, the commanding officer may place under arrest during the
continuance of such duty any person who shall:
1. Trespass upon the campground, parade ground, armory, or other place devoted to
such duty;
2. Interrupt or molest in any way or manner the orderly discharge of duty by those under
arms; or
3. Disturb or prevent the passage of troops going to or returning from such duty.
### § 37-01-20. Penalty for resisting when state of insurrection exists.

In a place declared by proclamation of the governor to be in a state of insurrection, any
person who shall:
1. Resist the execution of process;
2. Aid the rescue or escape of another from lawful custody or confinement; or
3. Resist a force ordered out by the governor to quell or suppress an insurrection,
is guilty of a class C felony.
### § 37-01-21. Military parades by certain bodies prohibited - Exceptions - Penalty.

No body of people, other than the regularly organized units of the national guard and militia
and the troops of the United States, may associate themselves together as a military company
or organization or parade in public with firearms, and no municipality may raise or appropriate
any money toward arming or equipping, uniforming or in any other way supporting, sustaining,

or providing drillrooms or armories for, any such body of people. Associations wholly composed
of soldiers honorably discharged from the service of the United States and members of the
order of sons of veterans may parade in public with firearms on Decoration Day, upon the
reception of any regiment or company of soldiers returning from service, or for the purpose of
escort duty at the burial of deceased soldiers. Students in educational institutions where military
science is a prescribed part of the course of instruction, with the consent of the governor, may
drill and parade with firearms in public under the superintendence of their teachers. This section
does not prevent any organization authorized to do so by law from parading with firearms nor
prevent parades by the national guard of other states. Any person violating any provision of this
section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
### § 37-01-22. Governor may make rules and regulations governing military forces in state

- Limitations - Effect.
The governor may make such rules and regulations as deemed expedient for the
government of the military forces of this state, but such rules and regulations must conform to
the provisions of this title and, as nearly as practicable, to those governing the armed forces of
the United States. When promulgated, such rules and regulations have the same force and
effect as the provisions of this title and may not be repealed, altered, amended, or added to
except by the commanding officer of the national guard with the approval of the governor.
### § 37-01-23. Custom and usage of the armed forces of the United States to govern

national guard.
All matters relating to the organization, discipline, and government of the national guard, not
otherwise provided for in this title or in the general regulations, must be decided by the custom
and usage of the armed forces of the United States.
### § 37-01-24. Jurisdiction of troops occupying a military district under martial law to

pursue, arrest, and subpoena.
Troops occupying a military district established under martial law, if necessary, may pursue,
arrest, and subpoena persons wanted in said military district, anywhere within this state.
### § 37-01-25. Officers and employees of state or political subdivisions in national guard

or federal service to retain status for period of active service or any military duty.
1. For purposes of this section, "officer or employee" means:
a. A member of the national guard;
b. A member of the armed forces reserve of the United States of America;
c. An individual subject to call in the federal service by the president of the United
States; or
d. An individual who volunteers for federal service.
2. An officer or employee of the state or a political subdivision, when ordered by proper
authority to active noncivilian employment for any military duty, is entitled to a leave of
absence from the civil service for the period of the active service or military duty
including traveling to and from a duty station without loss of status or efficiency rating.
3. If the individual has been in the employ of the state or political subdivision immediately
preceding the leave of absence, the individual is entitled to twenty workdays each
calendar year without loss of pay.
4. A leave of absence necessitated by a full or partial mobilization of the reserve and
national guard forces of the United States of America, or emergency state active duty,
must be without loss of pay for the first thirty days of the absence less any other paid
leave of absence which may have been granted during the calendar year in
accordance with this section.
5. If leave is required for any military duty or travel to and from a duty station on a day in
which a public officer or employee is scheduled to perform the work of the state or of a
political subdivision, the officer or employee must be given the option of:
a. Time off with a concurrent loss of pay for the period missed;

b. Use of leave of absence without loss of pay for the period missed; or
c. Opportunity to reschedule the workperiod so the reserve or national guard military
duty or travel to and from a duty station occurs during time off from work without
loss of status or efficiency rating.
### § 37-01-25.1. Reinstatement to former position - Appeals - Penalty.

Any person referred to in section 37-01-25, who within ninety days after receiving a
discharge other than dishonorable from such active noncivilian service, and who is not
physically or otherwise incapacitated to perform the duties of the position formerly held by the
person, applies for such position held by the person at the time of entering such active service,
must be given such position or one of like seniority, status, and pay, and is immune to discharge
from said position except for cause, as defined by the department of veterans' affairs, for a
period of one year after entering upon the duties of the person's civilian position. Any such
person not so re-employed or who is discharged within a period of one year without cause, has
the right of appeal to the department of veterans' affairs under such rules and regulations as the
administrative committee on veterans' affairs may promulgate. If the department of veterans'
affairs finds that such person was not re-employed or was discharged within one year without
cause, it may order any officer or other appointing power to comply with the provisions of this
chapter. If such person at the time of entering noncivilian service has been an officer or
employee of the state of North Dakota or any political subdivision or city thereof, having a merit
or civil service system with an appeal board, such appeal board has the same powers as are
granted to the department of veterans' affairs in this section. In order to carry out the provisions
of this chapter, the department of veterans' affairs is hereby authorized to contract and pay for
technical or other services with any board, council, or commission established by such state
agencies, departments, or divisions to administer such systems. Any person violating any of the
provisions of this section is guilty of an infraction.
### § 37-01-25.2. Penalty.

Repealed by omission from this code.
### § 37-01-26. Pay of officers and enlisted men assigned to special duty.

Any commissioned officer assigned to special duty by the governor or under the governor's
authority must be paid duty pay for the time actually employed, and the officer's necessary
traveling expenses and subsistence when such payment is authorized by the governor. Judge
advocates must be paid such compensation as shall be approved by the governor for services
in bringing any suits provided for in this title, and in actions or proceedings by habeas corpus,
certiorari, or otherwise. All staff officers must be paid duty pay for special service ordered by
competent authority with the approval of the governor. Enlisted persons on duty under orders of
the governor, but not at the time serving with troops, shall receive the same rate of pay as is
provided for the national guard when called into active service by the governor and their actual
traveling expenses and subsistence.
### § 37-01-27. Members of national guard exempt from poll tax.

Repealed by S.L. 1969, ch. 528, § 24.
### § 37-01-28. Failure of member of the militia to appear - Penalty.

Every member of the militia who is ordered out or ordered on duty, who volunteers, or who
is drafted under the provisions of this title, who does not appear at the time and place
designated by that person's commanding officer, the adjutant general, or the mustering officer,
who does not produce a sworn certificate of physical disability from a physician in good standing
showing that person's inability to appear, must be taken as a deserter and dealt with as
prescribed in the uniform code of military justice of the United States.

### § 37-01-29. Discipline and training of the national guard - Requirements governing.

The discipline, including the training, of the national guard must conform to the system
which is prescribed by the Congress of the United States.
### § 37-01-30. Incurring of expenses by officers of militia - Auditing and payment of

accounts.
No officer of the militia may incur any expense whatsoever to be paid by this state, except
such as is authorized in this title, without first obtaining the authority of the governor. In extreme
emergencies, however, the commanding officer of any organization or detachment of the
national guard may make purchases of such necessities as are absolutely required for the
immediate use and care of that officer's command. A report of such action containing a
statement of the articles purchased and the price thereof must be made forthwith through the
channel of the adjutant general. The commander in chief shall be the auditor of all accounts for
property purchased by the adjutant general, and the copies of the orders or contracts under
which such purchases are made must be filed in the office of the paymaster general. All other
military accounts payable by the state must be audited by the adjutant general. Military accounts
thus audited must be paid by the paymaster general of the state from the proper appropriation
made by the legislative assembly.
### § 37-01-31. Honorably discharged veterans preferred for appointment to state or

municipal offices - Physical defects not to disqualify.
Repealed by S.L. 1973, ch. 282, § 3.
### § 37-01-32. State treasurer as trustee exchanging farmlands for military purposes -

Conditions of exchange.
Repealed by S.L. 1953, ch. 223, § 9.
### § 37-01-33. Saving of rights accrued.

All contracts, pensions, commissions, leases, agreements, and similar actions taken, made,
or entered into under previous statutes which, by their nature, custom, or usage, were
continuing in effect remain in full force and effect.
### § 37-01-34. Recordation of discharge papers.

An individual discharged from any branch of the armed forces of the United States may
record, without payment of any fee, that individual's discharge from the armed forces, a
certificate issued in lieu of the discharge, duly authenticated and certified copies of the
discharge or certificate, or duly certified records of that individual's service and discharge from
the armed forces in the office of the recorder of the county in which that individual resides,
unless the board of county commissioners designates a different official. Any discharge
document recorded by the recorder, or designated official, may be made available only to the
following persons: the veteran, the parents, the veteran's next of kin, the veteran's legal
representative, a county veterans' service officer, a veterans' organization service officer, the
department of veterans' affairs, or a designee of the veteran.
### § 37-01-35. Legalizing previous recordings.

If a recorder, or designated official, has recorded discharge papers without charging the
recording fees provided by law, the recording is declared legalized. In no such case may the
recorder, or designated official, be held responsible in cases in which filing fees have not been
collected.
### § 37-01-36. Certified copy of record furnished veteran without charge.

If a copy of any public record is required by any veteran or a veteran's guardian, dependent,
or representative in connection with an application for benefits made available by federal or
state laws, the official charged with the custody of such public record, without charge, shall

provide a certified copy of such record upon request. This section is subject to the restrictions
provided for in section 37-01-34.
### § 37-01-37. Disability of minor to contract.

The disability of minority of any person otherwise eligible for guaranty or insurance of a loan
pursuant to the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 [Pub. L. 78-346; 58 Stat. 284], as
amended, and of the minor spouse of any eligible veteran irrespective of the person's age, in
connection with any transaction entered into pursuant to said Act as amended, is hereby
removed, for all purposes in connection with such transaction including, but not limited to,
incurring of indebtedness or obligations and acquiring, encumbering, selling, releasing, or
conveying property, or any interest therein, and litigating or settling controversies arising
therefrom, if all or part of any obligations incident to such transaction be guaranteed or insured
by the administrator of veterans' affairs pursuant to such Act. This section may not be construed
to impose any other or greater right or liabilities than would exist if such person and such
spouse were under no such disability.
### § 37-01-38. National guard operating fund.

All income, collections, and reimbursements of the North Dakota national guard from the
United States and from armory rentals must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to a
national guard operating fund. The state treasurer, upon order of the director of the office of
management and budget, shall make semiannual transfers from the general fund appropriation
for the maintenance of the national guard to the national guard operating fund.
### § 37-01-39. Expenditure of funds.

All expenditures of funds for the maintenance and operation of the national guard and the
office of the adjutant general must be made upon vouchers signed and approved by the adjutant
general or such other officer or official as may be designated by the adjutant general. Upon
approval of such vouchers by the office of the budget, warrant-checks must be prepared by the
office of management and budget for signature by the state auditor and state treasurer in
accordance with such approved vouchers.
### § 37-01-39.1. Unit funds - Maintenance and expenditure.

Each unit of the North Dakota national guard, upon approval of the adjutant general, is
authorized to maintain a nonreverting unit fund for purposes as prescribed by federal law and
regulations relating to unit funds of the federal military forces and to pay petty operating,
equipment, and supply costs incurred by the individual units. All funds transferred by the
adjutant general to the unit fund must be deposited in the unit fund and are hereby appropriated
for the maintenance and operation of the unit funds. Unit funds may be expended upon
authorization of the unit fund custodian designated by the adjutant general under guidelines
established by the adjutant general.
### § 37-01-40. Veteran and wartime veteran defined - Uniform service dates for wartime

veterans.
1. A "veteran" is an individual who served on continuous federalized active uniformed
services duty for one hundred eighty days or the full period for which the individual
was called or ordered to active duty for reasons other than training, and who was
discharged or released under other than dishonorable conditions. A discharge
reflecting "expiration of term of service" or "completion of required service" or words to
that effect qualifies the shorter term of service as making the individual a veteran.
2. A "wartime veteran" is an individual who served in the active military forces, during a
period of armed conflict or who received the armed forces expeditionary or other
campaign service medal during an emergency condition and who was discharged or
released under other than dishonorable conditions. "Wartime veteran" also includes an
individual who died in the line of duty in the active military forces, as determined by the
armed forces.

3. Period of service dates for a wartime veteran begins with the date of any declaration of
war by the Congress of the United States or presidential proclamation beginning
hostilities or the beginning of an emergency condition recognized by the issuance of a
presidential proclamation or a presidential executive order and in which the armed
forces expeditionary medal or other campaign service medals are awarded according
to presidential executive order and ending on a date prescribed by presidential
proclamation or concurrent resolution of the Congress of the United States and dates
determined by the United States department of defense.
4. Current uniform period of service dates for periods of armed conflict include:
a. The period beginning December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946, known as
World War II;
b. The period beginning June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955, known as the
Korean war;
c. The period beginning August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975, known as the
Vietnam war;
d. The period beginning August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, known as the gulf
war; and
e. The period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on a date prescribed by
presidential proclamation or by Congress as the last day of operation Iraqi
freedom or operation enduring freedom, whichever occurs later.
5. The department of veterans' affairs shall maintain a list of all period of service dates for
emergency conditions in which the armed forces expeditionary medal has been
awarded.
### § 37-01-41. Claims against the national guard.

1. Any individual injured by an activity of the North Dakota national guard may submit a
claim to the adjutant general. As used in this section, "claim" means a monetary
demand upon the state for personal injury or property damage arising from activities of
the national guard while on state active duty.
2. The adjutant general may approve a claim for less than two thousand five hundred
dollars. If the claim is approved by the adjutant general, the adjutant general shall
apply to the emergency commission for an amount from the contingency fund sufficient
to pay the claim. It must be conclusively presumed upon the receipt of such application
by the emergency commission that an emergency exists, and the commission shall
direct the transfer of the requested amount to the adjutant general from the
contingency fund. The adjutant general, upon receipt of the transfer from the
contingency fund, shall pay the claim.
3. The adjutant general shall forward any claim exceeding two thousand five hundred
dollars to the emergency commission with the adjutant general's recommendation. If
the claim is approved by the emergency commission, it must be conclusively
presumed that an emergency exists, and the commission shall direct the transfer of
the approved amount to the adjutant general from the contingency fund. The adjutant
general, upon receipt of the transfer from the contingency fund, shall pay the claim.
4. Decisions of the adjutant general or the emergency commission partially or totally
denying a claim may not be appealed to any court of this state.
5. Claims may not be submitted to the legislative assembly unless the claim has been
partially or totally denied by the adjutant general or the emergency commission.
### § 37-01-42. Honorary high school diplomas - Veterans of World War II and Korean and

Vietnam conflicts.
1. Any World War II veteran who did not receive a high school diploma may apply for an
honorary high school diploma, provided:
a. The veteran entered the United States armed forces between September 16,
1940, and December 31, 1946, prior to completing the necessary high school
graduation requirements; and
b. The veteran was honorably discharged from the United States armed forces.

2. Any Korean conflict veteran who did not receive a high school diploma may apply for
an honorary high school diploma, provided:
a. The veteran was a member of the United States armed forces between June 27,
1950, and January 31, 1955; and
b. The veteran was honorably discharged from the United States armed forces.
3. Any Vietnam conflict veteran who did not receive a high school diploma may apply for
an honorary high school diploma, provided:
a. The veteran entered the United States armed forces between February 28, 1961,
and May 7, 1975; and
b. The veteran was honorably discharged from the United States armed forces.
4. In order to receive an honorary high school diploma, the veteran or a representative of
the veteran shall complete an application on a form prescribed by the superintendent
of public instruction. A county veterans' service officer shall certify the veteran's status
as an honorably discharged veteran who served during the qualifying period to the
superintendent of public instruction. The superintendent of public instruction shall
forward the application to the school district in which the veteran last attended school
before induction. If the school district no longer exists, the application must be
forwarded to the school district that has jurisdiction. If a school district decides not to
issue a diploma under this program, the veteran may apply to the superintendent of
public instruction for the diploma.
5. The school district and the superintendent of public instruction shall review and either
approve or deny each application received.
6. If a veteran who would have qualified for a diploma under this section is deceased, a
family member of the veteran may apply for and, if approved, be awarded the
veteran's honorary high school diploma.
### § 37-01-43. North Dakota military civil relief act.

An individual called or ordered to active service for thirty consecutive days or longer has all
of the protections afforded to persons in the military service of the United States under the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act [50 U.S.C. 3901-4043] in effect on December 31, 2024.
### § 37-01-44. Reimbursement of certain medical expenses for North Dakota national

guard members.
The North Dakota national guard is authorized to pay medical expenses for national guard
members who are called to state active duty when the member sustains an injury or illness that
is found to have occurred within the line of duty and is not covered by workforce safety and
insurance. Payments shall be made only for costs not covered by other health insurance.
Coverage of qualifying medical expenses is subject to rules set forth by the office of the adjutant
general and subject to available funds.
### § 37-01-45. Record of veterans.

The adjutant general shall initiate and coordinate the collecting of information on North
Dakotans who served in a theatre or area of armed conflict since the Vietnam conflict. The
adjutant general shall make the information available to the public in a manner that the adjutant
general deems advisable.
### § 37-01-46. Honoring as veterans individuals who have performed military service.

An individual who has performed service in the national guard, the armed forces reserve of
the United States, or active duty armed forces of the United States, has received an honorable
discharge from service, and is not otherwise included within the definition of a veteran under
federal or state law is, at the completion of that individual's term of service, honored as a
veteran, but is not entitled to any benefits or preferences available to veterans by reason of this
section.

### § 37-01-47. Health insurance coverage while on state active duty.

During the period of active duty, the national guard may pay any primary health insurance
premium on behalf of a national guard service member or an employer-sponsored health
insurance premium cost share paid by the service member while called to state active duty.
Coverage of qualifying premium payment is subject to rules set forth by the adjutant general's
office and subject to available funds.
### § 37-01-48. Payment of death benefits.

The national guard may pay a death benefit to a designated beneficiary, or to the next of
kin, of a national guard service member who died while serving in a state active duty status
under this chapter. The payment of a death benefit may not exceed one hundred thousand
dollars and is subject to available funds. The adjutant general may adopt rules to implement this
section.
