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 the criminal justice process. Under subsection 17, the bill mandates that registered victims and witnesses must be promptly informed of a criminal defendant's release from custody, including transfers to work-release or education release programs, community residential programs, or mental health facilities. This notification must occur within a reasonable time prior to the defendant's release or transfer and should be communicated through any means that ensures prompt notice.

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 these victim statements and allows victims of violent crimes the option to personally address the relevant authorities. Additionally, the bill modifies the notification process to ensure that registered victims are informed of the pending review and the decisions made by the parole board or governor, including the timing of the prisoner's release, all within a reasonable timeframe. The language changes include the addition of "or authorized representative" in the notification process and the removal of "or, pardon clerk" to streamline communication.

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