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SB 2257 North Dakota Senate · 69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 5 of section 12.1-23-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to grading of theft offenses of values not exceeding five hundred dollars; and to provide a penalty.

This bill changes how North Dakota classifies petty theft of property worth $500 or less. For first offenses, it makes such theft a class B misdemeanor (a misdemeanor penalty) if committed through shoplifting or if specific conditions are met (e.g., no threat, deception in a fiduciary relationship, or the defendant not being a public servant or financial employee). Repeat offenses within specified timeframes escalate penalties: second/third offenses become class A misdemeanors, and fourth or subsequent offenses become class C felonies. Courts must also provide written notice to defendants about potential enhanced penalties for repeat offenses under this law.
Issues: ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReclassifies first-time petty theft under $500 as class B misdemeanor (less severe penalty), reducing criminal justice system involvement for minor non-violent offenses, aligning with reform goals.92% confidence
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Jan 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Signed into Law
Mar 2025
Introduced Jan 20, 2025 Signed Mar 21, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

INTRODUCED → Enrollment · 4 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates North Dakota's theft sentencing guidelines for low-value thefts (under $500) by introducing special classification rules based on specific circumstances and establishing a tiered penalty system for repeat offenders. The changes clarify when thefts qualify for reduced penalties and define how subsequent offenses are escalated from misdemeanors to felonies.
Scope change
The bill applies to theft offenses under $500 and modifies how repeat offenses within specific timeframes are classified and punished.
REQUIREMENT

Added specific criteria for classifying first-time thefts under $500 as class B misdemeanors, including shoplifting and conditions excluding threats, fiduciary relationships, or public servant involvement.

Required courts to provide written statements notifying defendants of enhanced penalties for subsequent offenses when sentencing.

ENFORCEMENT

Established a tiered penalty system where second or third offenses within three years become class A misdemeanors, and fourth or subsequent offenses within four years become class C felonies.

TECHNICAL

Changed bill formatting from traditional line-numbered format to modern legislative markup style with enrollment certification and vote records.

Floor votes · Senate Jan 29, 2025 · House Mar 13, 2025

How they voted

46–0
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 47
Jan 29, 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
15
Key actions
7
Committee
4
Mar 24, 2025
Introduced
Filed with Secretary Of State 03/20
legislature
Mar 21, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor 03/19
upper
Mar 13, 2025
Lower · Passed
Second reading, passed, yeas 76 nays 13
lower
Mar 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 9 4 1
lower
Mar 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee Hearing 10:00
lower
Feb 18, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee
lower
Jan 29, 2025
Upper · Passed
Second reading, passed, yeas 46 nays 0
upper
Jan 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 7 0 0
upper
Jan 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Hearing 11:30
upper
Jan 20, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Janne Myrdal
Janne Myrdal
RRepublican
ND
19