TITLE 1: GOVERNMENT
DIVISION 8: PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
§ 8701. Definition. For the purpose of this chapter, “Preference Eligible” is defined identically as at 5 U.S.C. §§ 2108(3)-(4) and 2108a(c) as they may be amended. Source: PL 23-05, § 3(101) (Aug. 1, 2023), modified. Commission Comment: Short Title.— PL 23-05, § 1, provided that: “This act may be cited as the ‘CNMI Government Veterans’ Preference Act of 2023’.” Legislative Findings of 2023 Legislation.— In addition to severability and savings clause provisions, PL 23-05 included the following Findings and Purposes section: Section 2. Findings and Purposes. The Legislature finds that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is home to veterans who have honorably served our country. These remarkably unselfish individuals honorably answered the nation’s call with selfless dedication, and have gone to great lengths to defend the rights and freedoms that we enjoy today. These heroic men and women, along with their families, have endured the hardships that come with military service, such as serving in times of war. As a token of our immeasurable gratitude, it is highly appropriate for the CNMI Government to provide employment preference, and opportunities, to these very deserving veterans and their widows or widowers. It is particularly incumbent on the government to assist veterans with serviceconnected permanent or total disabilities, and to exercise such permissive preference when appropriate. No words or actions can ever equate to the appreciation and gratitude they rightly deserve. The Legislature also finds U.S. Federal Law provides for veterans’ employment preference under 5 U.S.C. §§ 2108 and 2108a. The Legislature further finds that certain states and territories, such as Guam, Florida, California, and others, have exercised their own forms of veterans’ preference. Cognizant of such efforts by the different states and territories, it is imperative that the CNMI implement its own form of veterans’ preference. Our honorable veterans, along with their respective eligible family members, deserve such appreciation. Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to amend Title 1, Division 8 of the Commonwealth Code by establishing a veterans' preference employment provision for the CNMI Government. Modifications.— In codifying PL 23-05, the Commission numbered this chapter, this article, and its sections, pursuant to 1 CMC § 3806(a).