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 bill outlines specific provisions regarding the additional parenting time, which must be of the same type and duration as the time that was denied due to the investigation of the false allegation. It allows for the inclusion of weekend, holiday, and summer parenting time, and requires that this additional time occurs within two years of the court's finding. Furthermore, the court is instructed to give deference to the proposed schedule of the parent entitled to additional parenting time when determining the specifics of that schedule.

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