A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact sections 32-15-28, 32-15-32, and 32-15-35 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to awarding costs and fees in eminent domain proceedings.

SB 2321 would require government entities (such as states, cities, or public utilities) to pay property owners' legal costs if they withdraw or dismiss eminent domain cases without the owner's agreement. It specifically mandates reimbursement for attorney fees, expert witness fees, and court costs incurred during proceedings. The bill also clarifies that property owners who lose on appeal may still be ordered to pay appeal-related costs. This directly affects landowners facing government land seizures and the government agencies pursuing them.