The bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the legal framework surrounding orders prohibiting contact, particularly in cases involving violent crimes, stalking, harassment, or sex offenses. It introduces new provisions that allow the court to issue such orders not only at the time of arraignment but also upon arrest or during sentencing. The bill specifies that individuals subject to these orders may request modifications or terminations, and it establishes that these orders will automatically terminate upon dismissal, acquittal, or completion of sentencing. Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement agencies must enter these orders into relevant databases to ensure compliance and tracking.

Furthermore, the bill revises the sentencing alternatives available for individuals convicted of offenses, explicitly including "an order prohibiting contact" as one of the options. This addition emphasizes the importance of protecting victims and ensuring that offenders do not have contact with them during their sentence. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of law enforcement in enforcing these orders and provides immunity for officers acting in good faith when making arrests for violations of such orders. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen victim protections and streamline the judicial process regarding contact prohibitions.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12.1-31.2-02, 12.1-32-02, 39-08-01
Adopted by the House Judiciary Committee: 12.1-31.2-02, 12.1-32-02, 39-08-01
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 12.1-31.2-02, 12.1-32-02, 39-08-01
Enrollment: 12.1-31.2-02, 12.1-32-02, 39-08-01