N.D. Cent. Code § 65-05-20.1

Current through 2023 Legislative Sessions

Section 65-05-20.1 - Scholarship fund - Rules

1. The organization may establish a scholarship fund. Scholarships may be awarded to:

a. The spouse and child of a worker who dies as a result of a compensable work-related injury, if the spouse and child have received benefits under section 65-05-17;

b. The spouse and child of a worker who is deemed to be catastrophically injured as defined in subdivision c of subsection 2 of section 65-05.1-06.1; and

c. Injured workers for whom the organization determines a scholarship would be beneficial and appropriate because of exceptional circumstances, or upon successful completion of a rehabilitation program contemplated under subdivision g of subsection 4 of section 65-05.1-01, as determined by the organization.

2. For purposes of this section, child includes a legitimate child, a step child, adopted child, posthumous child, foster child, and acknowledged illegitimate child between twenty-three and twenty-six years of age who is enrolled as a full-time student in any accredited educational institution and is dependent upon the employee for support.

3. Scholarships are payable to an accredited institution of higher education or an institution of technical education on behalf of a student attending that institution.

4. The total amount awarded annually in scholarships may not exceed five hundred thousand dollars. The maximum amount payable on behalf of an applicant is ten thousand dollars per year for no more than five years, except that the combined retraining and scholarship periods for applicants successfully completing a rehabilitation program under subdivision g of subsection 4 of section 65-05.1-01 may not exceed five years.

5. Scholarships must be awarded by a panel chosen by the organization. The organization shall adopt rules establishing selection criteria and obligations associated with the program and identifying information an applicant is required to submit to determine an appropriate scholarship award. Scholarships may be awarded at the sole discretion of the organization. There is no right to reconsideration, rehearing, or appeal from any decision regarding the award, denial, or amount of a scholarship.

N.D.C.C. § 65-05-20.1

Amended by S.L. 2015, ch. 480 (HB 1102),§ 4, eff. 8/1/2015.

Amended by S.L. 2011, ch. 512 (SB 2114),§ 4, eff. 8/1/2011.