The bill amends section 12.1-18-05 of the North Dakota Century Code to address the removal or withholding of a child in violation of a custody decree, as well as the provision of false information or reports to law enforcement or the Department of Health and Human Services. The language has been updated to clarify that an individual who intentionally removes or detains their own child under the age of eighteen, either within or outside the state, with the intent to deny another individual's rights as per a custody decree, will face varying penalties. Specifically, removing a child outside the state constitutes a class C felony, while detaining a child within the state will result in an infraction for first and second offenses, escalating to a class B misdemeanor for a third offense, and a class A misdemeanor for a fourth offense.

Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for individuals who knowingly provide false information or reports regarding harm to a child by one parent against the other. Such actions will also incur penalties ranging from an infraction for first and second offenses to a class B misdemeanor for a third offense, and a class A misdemeanor for a fourth offense. The amendments aim to strengthen the enforcement of custody decrees and discourage the misuse of legal reporting mechanisms.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12.1-18-05
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Luick: 12.1-18-05
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 12.1-18-05