Relating to prosecution-led diversion programs, deflection process, and supervision for presentence programs; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an appropriation.
HB 1361 proposes to create a new section within chapter 12.1-41 of the North Dakota Century Code. This bill establishes mandatory minimum sentences for individuals convicted of human trafficking offenses. It directly affects human trafficking offenders by requiring a minimum prison term upon conviction, and also provides for a penalty.
Relating to the implementation of operational guidelines and training for law enforcement officers and state's attorneys addressing the crimes of human trafficking, prostitution, and the commercial exploitation of children.
HB 1102 appropriates $775,000 from North Dakota's general fund to the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation for cybercrime resources. The funding will hire two full-time cybercrime agents and cover related equipment costs for the 2025-2027 biennium, with $161,000 designated for one-time equipment purchases. This bill directly affects police departments in northeastern North Dakota cities with at least 50,000 residents, requiring the new agents to assist those departments specifically with cybercrime prevention and detection. The measure is purely a funding allocation, not a policy change, focused on staffing and resources for a defined geographic area.
Relating to jurisdiction of district courts and municipal court requirements, jurisdiction, procedures, and processes; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 29‑07‑01.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to indigent defense; and to repeal sections 40‑11‑10, 40‑11‑11, 40‑11‑12, and 40‑11‑13 and chapter 40‑18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to ordinance violations and municipal judges.
Relating to closing certain criminal records; and to amend and reenact sections 12‑60.1‑01 and 12‑60.1‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to closed records and grounds to file a petition to seal a criminal record.
SB 2165 amends North Dakota laws governing peace officer licensing, directly affecting current and prospective law enforcement officers. The bill expands the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board's authority to require medical or psychological evaluations of officers for public safety, and allows the board to access medical records without standard privacy restrictions. It also clarifies grounds for license denial or suspension, including felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, use of unjustified force, or false statements during licensing. The bill updates fee structures for applications, renewals, and other licensing actions, and specifies that medical information provided to the board is exempt from typical privacy protections. These changes aim to strengthen licensing oversight while streamlining administrative processes.
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.
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 1213 establishes a new "Jail Improvement Revolving Loan Fund" administered by the Bank of North Dakota to provide low-interest loans for jail infrastructure projects. It directly affects counties and regional correctional authorities, enabling them to apply for loans (up to $40 million at 2% interest over 30 years) to renovate, expand, or replace aging jail facilities meeting specific cost and capacity criteria. The bill creates a committee to review applications based on factors like inmate occupancy, structure age, and community support, and mandates a $200 million transfer from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund to seed the new loan program for the 2025-2027 biennium. The fund operates as a revolving loan program, with principal and interest repayments replenishing the fund for future projects.
