HB 1347 creates a new legal framework for district court supervised treatment programs in North Dakota, directly affecting offenders sentenced to supervised probation. The bill assigns specific roles: the Department of Corrections supervises probation compliance, the Department of Health oversees treatment services using established best practices, and district courts coordinate judicial oversight for specialized dockets. This law formalizes existing practices by defining each agency's responsibilities within court-approved treatment programs. It takes effect upon the Governor's signature, which occurred on March 26, 2025.
Relating to sentencing alternatives and the sentencing of a defendant to an addiction treatment program for a violation of driving under the influence; and to provide for application.
HB 1061 amends specific sections of North Dakota's victim treatment code (12.1-34-02) to enhance protections for crime victims. The bill directly affects victims of crime and the state agencies responsible for their support services. However, the provided context lacks specific details about the exact changes to subsections 17 and 18 or the concrete mechanisms of the amendments. The bill was enacted after signing by the Governor on March 24, 2025. Without the full text or specific provisions described in the abstract, a detailed summary of the policy changes cannot be provided.
HB 1336 modifies North Dakota law to require courts to issue orders prohibiting contact between defendants and victims in cases involving crimes of violence, stalking, harassment, or sex offenses when defendants are released before trial. These orders must be provided to victims, entered into state and federal crime databases within one business day, and can be modified or terminated by court order upon request. Violating such an order is a class A misdemeanor, and law enforcement must arrest individuals without a warrant if probable cause exists. The bill directly affects victims in these specific criminal cases and defendants released pre-trial, with key changes focusing on mandatory contact orders and electronic database reporting.
HB 1328 amends North Dakota law to change how schools and law enforcement refer students for minor offenses to juvenile court. It requires schools to first try disciplinary measures (like counseling or suspensions) before referring students for non-serious offenses on school property, unless the offense involves drugs, violence, sex crimes, or weapons. The bill also updates the definition of "custodian" to include school staff with legal responsibility for a child. These changes directly affect school officials, law enforcement, and students in North Dakota schools.
Relating to the cost of digital forensic examinations and the establishment of an internet crime investigation fund; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide a penalty.
This bill amends North Dakota Century Code Section 12.1-32-06.1 to clarify that supervised probation begins only after a court's alternative sentencing order becomes final, not immediately upon sentencing. It directly affects individuals sentenced to probation instead of incarceration, ensuring probation supervision starts once the court order is confirmed. The key change delays the probation start date until the court's order is officially effective, resolving ambiguity in the prior law. This is a technical procedural adjustment to sentencing timing, not a substantive policy shift.
HB 1030 renames "drug court" programs to "treatment court" across multiple North Dakota statutes, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punitive measures. It directly affects courts, judges, and individuals participating in these specialized programs by updating terminology in legal codes. The bill does not create new programs or funding but adjusts existing court procedures to align with the treatment-focused approach. The legislation was signed into law by the Governor on March 14, 2025, and is now effective.
