This bill amends section 14-09-06.5 of the North Dakota Century Code to address the consequences of false allegations of harm to a child made by one parent against another. If a court determines that such an allegation is false and not made in good faith, the bill mandates that the parent who made the false allegation must pay the court costs and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the other parent. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the court shall order additional parenting time for the parent who was falsely accused, unless there is clear and convincing evidence that such additional time should not be granted.

The additional parenting time awarded must be equivalent in type and duration to the parenting time that was denied due to the investigation of the false allegation. It may include various forms of parenting time, such as weekends, holidays, and summer periods, and must occur within two years of the court's finding of the false allegation. Furthermore, the court is required to consider the proposed schedule for additional parenting time from the parent entitled to it, ensuring that the schedule aligns with the needs and circumstances of the involved parties.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 14-09-06.5
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Paulson: 14-09-06.5
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 14-09-06.5