Law provides military leave for North Dakota public employees

State and local government employers must provide leave for ordered military duty without lowering employees' job standing or performance ratings. Coverage includes state and local public employees in the National Guard or military reserves and those subject to a presidential call to federal service or volunteering for that service. Employees employed immediately before leave receive 20 paid workdays each calendar year; the operative text sets no 90-day waiting period. Reserve or National Guard mobilization and emergency state active duty receive pay for the first 30 days, minus other paid military leave granted that calendar year. When duty or travel conflicts with scheduled work, employees must have the choice of unpaid time off, paid military leave, or an opportunity to reschedule work. Leave covers the period of active service or military duty, including travel to and from the duty station.

Section 37-01-40 sets service and discharge requirements for recognition as a veteran. The definition covers people who served continuously on federalized active duty in the uniformed services. The person must be discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. A discharge stating that the person finished the required service can qualify a shorter service period.

Chapter 37-14 recognizes veterans through the referenced service definition, a service-connected disability rating, or National Guard or reserve membership. This definition applies within chapter 37-14. Its disability route does not separately require federal active duty in the armed forces. The disability route requires a rating from the United States veterans administration for a disability connected to military service. Former Guard or reserve members must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Current or former Guard or reserve membership alone does not qualify someone under section 37-14-14.