The summary below was generated by AskAI, an artificial intelligence tool from FastDemocracy, trained on transcripts generated from publicly-available video and audio recordings of official government debate, made using TranscriptAI.
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Here are the most discussed topics in North Dakota this week:
- Child Custody – Expedited Proceedings & Rules of Procedure: The 69th Legislative Interim – Child Custody Review Task Force emphasized the need for quicker resolution of child custody disputes, especially concerning parenting time violations. Discussions included establishing clear deadlines for hearings, with a 14-day goal being supported, and the adoption of specific rules for domestic relations cases to ensure consistent and timely resolutions. Concern was raised that current rules, like Rule 3.2, are too broad and lead to delays, with one participant noting that a hearing can take 21 days from request after briefs are filed.
- Child Custody – Parenting Coordinators & Family Court Structure: The Task Force discussed the role of “Parenting Time Expeditors.” It was noted that North Dakota already has “Parenting Coordinators” under Rule 8.11 of the North Dakota Rules of Court, effective March 1, 2025, but they lack the authority to issue binding decisions. There was also considerable debate regarding the creation of a specialized Family Court versus implementing more specific family law rules within the existing court system. Some members highlighted that North Dakota could have specific family court rules without a specialized family court, similar to Minnesota’s approach.
- Child Custody – Parental Alienation & Education: Dr. John Perez presented to the Child Custody Review Task Force on the emotional toll of child custody issues and parental alienation, stressing the need for greater awareness within the legal and mental health communities. The Task Force also reached a consensus on the importance of developing educational programs for parents, attorneys, and judges involved in family law disputes.
- Emergency Response Services – Funding & Reimbursement Challenges: The 69th Legislative Interim – Emergency Response Services Committee discussed financial and administrative challenges faced by emergency services. This included significant delays and issues with the vendor registry application process for EMS agencies, though it was expected that these vendor registry issues would no longer be a delay. Concerns were also raised about the lack of commercial insurance reimbursement for “treatment in place” services provided by ambulance personnel, despite the potential for net savings to Medicaid as seen in other states like Colorado.
Sources:
ND 69th Legislative Interim – Child Custody Review Task Force (2026-02-23)(video)
ND 69th Legislative Interim – Emergency Response Services Committee (2026-02-25)(video)