AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 38-11.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to pretrial appraisals; and to amend and reenact section 38-11.1-09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the recovery of attorney's fees in an action relating to oil and gas production.

Added a new requirement that surface owners must obtain a written appraisal from a certified appraiser before commencing a legal action to recover compensation.

Added a provision requiring mineral developers to reimburse surface owners for reasonable appraisal costs if the surface owner requests it.

Added a rule that mineral developers may make a new settlement offer within thirty days of receiving the required appraisal, which then serves as the benchmark for fee calculations.

Defined 'certified appraiser' by referencing existing state code definitions to ensure consistency in who can conduct the required appraisal.

Modified the existing fee-shifting rule to clarify that the court's award must exceed the mineral developer's offer for attorney's fees to be granted, and updated references to cost assessment chapters.