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 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.
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.
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.
SB 2289 requires law enforcement officers in North Dakota to be notified when a domestic violence protection order is issued. This bill directly affects victims of domestic violence and the police officers responding to related incidents. The key provision mandates that courts must disclose these protection orders to law enforcement agencies, ensuring officers have immediate access to critical safety information during responses. This change aims to improve officer awareness and victim safety without altering the legal standards for obtaining protection orders.
Relating to a prison industries workforce development income tax credit; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an effective date.
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.
