AN ACT to amend and reenact section 12-60.1-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to hearings on petitions to seal a criminal record.
HB 1263 proposes an amendment to section 12-60.1-04 of the North Dakota Century Code. This bill specifically addresses the process for hearings on petitions to seal a criminal record. It directly affects individuals who are seeking to have their past criminal records sealed by modifying the procedures related to these hearings.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
Apr 2025
Introduced Jan 13, 2025
Signed Apr 18, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
→
Enrollment
·
5 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates the legal process for sealing criminal records in North Dakota by clarifying court requirements, adding specific factors judges must consider, and adjusting restrictions on repeat petitioners. The changes aim to balance rehabilitation goals with public safety concerns while streamlining the petition process.
Scope change
The bill applies to all criminal record sealing petitions in North Dakota courts, with specific procedural requirements for district and municipal courts.
REQUIREMENT
Added clear and convincing evidence standard for granting petitions, requiring courts to consider specific factors like crime severity, risk to society, and rehabilitation progress.
TIMELINE
Established a minimum 45-day waiting period between petition filing and hearing date.
ELIGIBILITY
Changed the ban on repeat petitions from three years to one year following denial, with good cause required for any prohibition.
ENFORCEMENT
Added requirement for prosecutors to notify and seek input from law enforcement, witnesses, victims, and correctional authorities when processing petitions.
DEFINITION
Clarified that granted petitions must state the petitioner is rehabilitated but subject to background check restrictions under section 12.1-33-02.1.
Floor votes · Senate Apr 9, 2025 · House Feb 3, 2025
How they voted
45–1
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 47
Apr 9, 2025
D
Democratic5
100% Yea
R
Republican42
95% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
16
Key actions
8
Committee
4
Apr 21, 2025
Introduced
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/16
legislature
Apr 18, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor 04/16
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
Second reading, passed, yeas 45 nays 1
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 7 0 0
upper
Apr 2, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Hearing 10:30
upper
Feb 13, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 3, 2025
Lower · Passed
Second reading, passed, yeas 93 nays 0
lower
Jan 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Amendment adopted, placed on calendar
lower
Jan 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 14 0 0
lower
Jan 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee Hearing 11:00
lower
Jan 13, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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