This bill proposes significant changes to the North Dakota Century Code concerning the jurisdiction and procedures of district and municipal courts. It introduces a new subsection to section 27-05-06, which empowers district courts to hear cases related to city ordinance enforcement in cities with populations under five thousand that do not have a municipal court or judge. Additionally, it amends section 29-07-01.1 to clarify that cities are responsible for compensating lawyers representing indigent defendants in municipal ordinance violation cases. The bill also repeals existing sections related to municipal judges and ordinance violations while establishing a new chapter (40-18.1) that outlines the creation, operation, and jurisdiction of municipal courts, including the election and qualifications of municipal judges.

Moreover, the bill details amendments to municipal court procedures, such as the issuance of arrest warrants and the handling of fines. It requires that an arrest warrant be issued when an individual is charged, although a summons may be issued at the discretion of the municipal judge. Importantly, individuals unable to pay fines due to indigency cannot be jailed, and any commitment order is limited to thirty days. The bill mandates that all fines and fees collected for city ordinance violations be directed to the city's general fund. It also provides a framework for transferring municipal court cases to district court, particularly for smaller cities, and emphasizes compliance with supreme court rules regarding municipal court operations.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 29-07-01.1
Adopted by the House Political Subdivisions Committee: 29-07-01.1
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 29-07-01.1
PREFILED: 29-07-01.1