The Senate Industry and Business Committee voted to pass Senate Bill 2046 as amended after hearing from Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) and the Department of Veterans Affairs about a small, one‑time workers'‑comp premium credit for veteran entrepreneurs and related technical updates to WSI’s notice processes.

Anne Green, WSI director of legal services, told the committee SB2046 has two parts: a premium relief option that would provide “any active member of the North Dakota National Guard or a veteran defined under North Dakota law” a workers'‑comp premium credit “of up to $250,” and a technical change to allow WSI to deliver appealable dispute resolutions electronically once the agency’s multi‑year IT upgrade supports that function.

Green told members the electronic‑delivery change would be optional for recipients and would not eliminate the right to appeal. “If they prefer snail mail,” Green said, “that’s exactly right.” She clarified that statutory appeal timelines — 45 days — would remain unchanged.

Lonnie Wengen, North Dakota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, testified in support and asked the committee to extend the one‑time credit to surviving spouses of veterans. Wengen said North Dakota had limited state benefits targeted specifically at veteran entrepreneurs and called the credit “a great jump start” for new veteran‑owned businesses. Wengen described the amendment’s intent to allow a surviving spouse to receive the credit if the spouse later starts a qualifying business; Green and WSI staff confirmed a surviving spouse starting a distinct new business would be eligible for the one‑time credit.

Andrea Fenig of the Greater North Dakota Chamber testified neutral, saying the chamber had no position but suggesting the committee consider parameters based on questions raised at the hearing.

Committee members asked about program mechanics and scope, including whether the $250 credit is one‑time (Green: yes) and whether a surviving spouse who later starts a different new business could receive the credit (Green: yes, for a new entity). After discussion the committee adopted the amendment adding surviving spouses and then voted to give SB2046 a do‑pass recommendation as amended.

Votes at a glance: Amendment to SB2046 to add surviving spouses — Passed (voice/roll). Motion to give SB2046 a do‑pass recommendation as amended — Passed by roll call (ayes recorded). Senator Klauz moved for a do‑pass; Senator Caswell seconded. Committee recorded aye votes including Senator Klein, Senator Kessel, Chairman Bridal, Vice Chairman Behm, Senator Engott. The bill will be carried by Senator Klein.