The bill amends section 29-06-22 of the North Dakota Century Code, which governs the circumstances under which a private person may forcibly enter a building to make an arrest. The revised language specifies that a private person may break open a door or window to make an arrest if a felony was committed in their presence and they have been refused entry after announcing their purpose.

Importantly, the amendment introduces new criteria for justifying such an action: the private person must also reasonably believe that an individual inside the building is at imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death. This addition aims to clarify the conditions under which private individuals can intervene in potentially dangerous situations while ensuring that their actions are justified and necessary.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 29-06-22
Enrollment: 29-06-22