SB 2015 is a funding bill that allocates $247.1 million from North Dakota’s general fund to cover the operating expenses of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the 2025-2027 biennium. It specifies $266 million for adult services and $26.9 million for youth services, after accounting for $45.7 million in other funding sources. The bill also allows the department to deposit certain revenues (like fines, fees, and commissary profits) into its operating fund for use during the same period. It requires a legislative management study and a report on the department’s operations but does not create new policies or change existing laws.
Relating to the collection of data on missing persons and the missing indigenous people task force; to amend and reenact section 54‑12‑34 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the criminal justice data information sharing system; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
Relating to prosecution-led diversion programs, deflection process, and supervision for presentence programs; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an appropriation.
HB 1193 appropriates $8.45 million from North Dakota's general fund for a one-time grant program to provide appreciation bonuses to eligible peace and correctional officers. State agencies and local governments (political subdivisions) qualify for reimbursement based on the number of peace officers employed in law enforcement for at least four consecutive years. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation receives direct funding based on its correctional officers' tenure. Funds must be used exclusively to award each eligible officer a salary bonus of up to $6,000 annually, with the Attorney General administering the program in consultation with relevant boards. The program covers the 2025-2027 biennium.
Relating to jurisdiction of district courts and municipal court requirements, jurisdiction, procedures, and processes; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 29‑07‑01.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to indigent defense; and to repeal sections 40‑11‑10, 40‑11‑11, 40‑11‑12, and 40‑11‑13 and chapter 40‑18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to ordinance violations and municipal judges.
Relating to closing certain criminal records; and to amend and reenact sections 12‑60.1‑01 and 12‑60.1‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to closed records and grounds to file a petition 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.
HB 1197 creates a $50 million jail improvement fund (funded by a transfer from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund) to provide grants for county jail upgrades, remodeling, or replacements. The bill establishes a committee with legislative members, county representatives, and corrections stakeholders to review applications and approve grants. Counties receiving grants must contribute at least 25% of project costs, and at least 25% of annual funds must support projects in counties with populations under 15,000. The law, signed by the governor in April 2025, directly affects North Dakota counties and correctional facilities by enabling targeted infrastructure investments.
Relating to the correctional facility grant program, housing task force, and criminal justice data collection; to amend and reenact section 12-47-31 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to offenders released from the department of corrections and rehabilitation; to provide for a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.
HB 1205 allows parents or their agents to anonymously leave infants under 60 days old in secure, 24/7 monitored safety devices at designated hospitals or leave them with on-duty staff at approved locations without facing prosecution under certain criminal codes. The bill defines "newborn safety devices" as temperature-controlled, alarm-equipped units visible to staff, and requires hospitals to accept infants without asking for parent information or medical history. It also creates a numbered identification bracelet system to link parents to infants for potential reunification, while guaranteeing confidentiality of parent identities unless the infant was harmed. The law provides immunity to hospitals and staff for accepting infants under these provisions and mandates a public awareness campaign about the program.
