The proposed amendments to the North Dakota Century Code focus on improving the transparency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system by revising aspects of sentencing, correctional facility operations, and offender rehabilitation. Key changes include the introduction of the term "transitional facility," which is defined as a facility providing education and counseling for offenders. The bill clarifies the roles of correctional facility staff and modifies the conditions for transferring offenders between facilities, emphasizing safety and medical care while removing the previous requirement that transfers be in the best interests of the public or the offender. Additionally, it establishes eligibility criteria for work release and rehabilitation programs, allowing participation for offenders who have served a significant portion of their sentences, and introduces a framework for sentence reductions based on good behavior.

The bill also implements stricter penalties for violent offenders and those who flee from law enforcement. Offenders who inflict or attempt to inflict bodily injury while armed with a dangerous weapon will face mandatory minimum sentences, with a minimum of four years for class AA, A, or B felonies, and two years for class C felonies. Enhanced penalties are established for felons prohibited from possessing firearms, and certain offenders are removed from eligibility for release programs. The bill further amends penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, categorizing first offenses as class A misdemeanors and subsequent offenses as class C felonies, with a minimum of thirty days' imprisonment for felony convictions. These amendments will apply to individuals charged after July 31, 2025.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12-44.1-01, 12-48.1-01, 12-48.1-02, 12-54.1-01, 12-54.1-03, 12.1-08-02, 12.1-17-01, 12.1-32-02.1, 12.1-32-09.1, 39-10-71
Adopted by the Senate Judiciary Committee: 12-44.1-01, 12-47-18.1, 12-48.1-01, 12-48.1-02, 12-54.1-01, 12-54.1-03, 12.1-08-02, 12.1-17-01, 12.1-32-02.1, 12.1-32-09.1, 39-10-71
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 12-44.1-01, 12-47-18.1, 12-48.1-01, 12-48.1-02, 12-54.1-01, 12-54.1-03, 12.1-08-02, 12.1-17-01, 12.1-32-02.1, 12.1-32-09.1, 39-10-71
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Paulson: 12-44.1-01, 12-47-18.1, 12-48.1-01, 12-48.1-02, 12-54.1-01, 12-54.1-03, 12.1-08-02, 12.1-17-01, 12.1-32-02.1, 12.1-32-09.1, 39-10-71
SECOND ENGROSSMENT: 12-44.1-01, 12-47-18.1, 12-48.1-01, 12-48.1-02, 12-54.1-01, 12-54.1-03, 12.1-08-02, 12.1-17-01, 12.1-32-02.1, 12.1-32-09.1, 39-10-71
Adopted by the House Judiciary Committee: 12-44.1-01, 12-47-18.1, 12-48.1-01, 12-48.1-02, 12-54.1-01, 12-54.1-03, 12.1-08-02, 12.1-08-06, 12.1-08-07, 12.1-08-08, 12.1-08-09, 12.1-17-01, 12.1-32-02.1, 12.1-32-09.1, 39-10-71
25.8109.03005 : 12-44.1-01, 12-47-18.1, 12-48.1-01, 12-48.1-02, 12-54.1-01, 12-54.1-03, 12.1-08-02, 12.1-17-01, 12.1-32-02.1, 12.1-32-09.1, 39-10-71
PREFILED: 12-44.1-01, 12-48.1-01, 12-48.1-02, 12-54.1-01, 12-54.1-03, 12.1-08-02, 12.1-17-01, 12.1-32-02.1, 12.1-32-09.1, 39-10-71