This bill introduces a new section to chapter 14-09 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on the interference with court-ordered parenting time. It establishes that if a court finds that one parent has intentionally interfered with the other parent's court-ordered parenting time, the court is required to order additional parenting time for the affected parent, unless the interfering parent can provide clear and convincing evidence that such additional time should not be granted. The additional parenting time must be of the same type and duration as the lost time and can be up to double the period lost. The court is also empowered to sanction non-compliance with this section as contempt of court.

Additionally, the bill creates a Child Custody Review Task Force that will operate during the 2025-26 interim. This task force will consist of various members, including representatives from the supreme court, district courts, state bar association, legislative assembly, parents subject to custody orders, law enforcement, and family mediators. The task force is tasked with addressing issues related to custody decree violations, developing effective enforcement strategies, and exploring the use of self-help or AI-assisted processes. It is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislative management by June 30, 2026.

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