HB 1386 North Dakota House · 69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 12.1-27.2-01 and 12.1-27.2-04.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a prohibition on possessing certain computer-generated images; and to provide a penalty.

HB 1386 amends existing North Dakota law to prohibit the possession of certain computer-generated images. The bill modifies sections 12.1-27.2-01 and 12.1-27.2-04.1 of the North Dakota Century Code. It establishes a penalty for individuals found to be in possession of these prohibited images.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2025

House Passage

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

Signed into Law

Apr 2025

Introduced Jan 13, 2025 Signed Apr 23, 2025

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What changed between versions

FIRST ENGROSSMENT → Enrollment · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends North Dakota law to prohibit possession of computer-generated images depicting minors in sexual conduct. It adds new definitions for terms like 'computer-generated image' and 'minor' to clarify that AI-created content falls under existing child exploitation laws. The bill establishes felony penalties for possession, with enhanced penalties for larger quantities or specific harmful content types.

Scope change

Expanded scope to include computer-generated images alongside traditional photographs and motion pictures in child exploitation possession laws

DEFINITION

Added definition of 'computer-generated image' to include images created through artificial intelligence or computer programs

Expanded definition of 'minor' to include computer-generated images that appear to depict individuals under eighteen years of age

ENFORCEMENT

Established class C felony penalty for knowingly possessing any motion picture, computer-generated image, or visual representation showing sexual conduct by a minor

Established class B felony penalties for possession involving twenty or more images, sadistic/masochistic conduct, sexual bestiality, prepubescent minors, or repeat offenders

REQUIREMENT

Added exemption for interactive computer service providers, internet service providers, and other communication service providers from liability for content provided by others

Floor votes · Senate Apr 1, 2025 · House Apr 14, 2025

How they voted

46–0

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 47

Apr 1, 2025

D Democratic5

5 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican42

41 Yea 1

97% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 24, 2025

Introduced

Filed with Secretary Of State 04/22

legislature

Apr 23, 2025

Signed into law

Signed by Governor 04/21

lower

Apr 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

Second reading, passed, yeas 92 nays 2

lower

Apr 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

Concurred

lower

Apr 1, 2025

Upper · Passed

Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 46 nays 0

upper

Mar 28, 2025

Upper · Passed

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

upper

Mar 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 7 0 0

upper

Mar 26, 2025

Upper · Passed

Committee Hearing 02:30

upper

Feb 13, 2025

Introduced

Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee

upper

Feb 3, 2025

Lower · Passed

Second reading, passed, yeas 91 nays 2

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 7 4 3

lower

Jan 27, 2025

Lower · Passed

Committee Hearing 02:57

lower

Jan 20, 2025

Lower · Passed

Committee Hearing 10:30

lower

Jan 13, 2025

Introduced

Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee

lower

1 primary · 11 co-sponsors