The bill amends subsections 17 and 18 of section 12.1-34-02 of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the rights and notifications for victims and witnesses in relation to the custodial status of criminal defendants. Under the revised subsection 17, registered victims and witnesses will receive prompt notification whenever a defendant is released from custody, including transfers to work-release or education release programs, community residential programs, or mental health facilities. This notification must be provided in a timely manner and through means that ensure prompt delivery.

In subsection 18, the bill allows victims to submit written statements for consideration by the parole board, the governor, or the pardon advisory board before any action is taken on a defendant's request for parole or pardon. It emphasizes the confidentiality of victim statements and testimony, which can only be disclosed to authorized representatives of the parole board or related authorities. Additionally, the bill modifies the notification process to ensure that registered victims are informed of the pending review and the outcomes of parole or pardon decisions, including the timing of any release, thereby reinforcing the victims' rights to be kept informed throughout the process.

Statutes affected:
Adopted by the House Judiciary Committee: 12.1-34-02
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 12.1-34-02
Enrollment: 12.1-34-02