Criminal Justice (Juvenile Justice)

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.