The bill amends subsection 1 of section 54-12-24 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the structure and governance of the state crime laboratory. It establishes the state crime laboratory as a division of the office of the attorney general, consisting of a director, the state toxicologist, and additional personnel appointed by the attorney general. The laboratory is authorized to establish and charge fees for its services and must be administratively separated from the bureau of criminal investigation.

Significantly, the bill removes the provision that the director "serves at the pleasure of the attorney general," indicating a potential shift in the director's job security or appointment process. Additionally, it clarifies that the director is entitled to a salary set by the attorney general, within the limits of legislative appropriation. This change may reflect an effort to provide more stability in the leadership of the state crime laboratory.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-12-24
Enrollment: 54-12-24
PREFILED: 54-12-24