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.
HB 1361 proposes to create a new section within chapter 12.1-41 of the North Dakota Century Code. This bill establishes mandatory minimum sentences for individuals convicted of human trafficking offenses. It directly affects human trafficking offenders by requiring a minimum prison term upon conviction, and also provides for a penalty.
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.
HB 1364 amends North Dakota's legal code to adjust how courts handle partial sentence suspension for individuals who successfully complete specialized court programs. The bill modifies a specific section of the Century Code to allow courts to partially suspend a defendant's sentence upon completion of drug court, mental health court, or veterans treatment dockets. This means participants in these programs may avoid serving the full sentence, potentially reducing prison time or enabling community-based alternatives. The change directly affects defendants in these programs who meet completion requirements, without altering program eligibility or structure.
HB 1528 amends North Dakota's arson and endangering by fire statutes to clarify definitions and strengthen penalties. It specifies that intentionally damaging one's own property to defraud insurers or deprive others of legal interests (like mortgage holders) now qualifies as arson, a class B felony. The bill also expands "endangering" offenses to explicitly include firefighters responding to emergencies and establishes that being intoxicated while starting a fire is considered proof of intent. Offenses are classified as class A, B, or C felonies based on severity, including death, extreme indifference to life, or property damage exceeding $2,000. The law directly affects individuals committing arson or reckless fire/explosion acts, insurers, property owners, and emergency responders.
HB 1503 amends North Dakota's criminal code to update penalties for drivers who cause injury while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. It specifically revises subsection 2 of section 39-08-01.2 in the North Dakota Century Code, adjusting the legal consequences for this offense. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of DUI-related injury incidents by establishing a new penalty structure under the amended code section. This change modifies the sentencing framework for these specific criminal violations without altering the underlying offense definition.
HB 1415 amends North Dakota law to explicitly exempt work schedule records of employees in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and law enforcement agencies from public disclosure. This means these specific scheduling records, which were previously subject to public records requests, will no longer be accessible to the public under state law. The bill directly affects corrections and law enforcement staff by shielding their work schedules from transparency requests. The change clarifies and codifies an existing exemption within the state's public records statute.
