The bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the legal framework surrounding orders prohibiting contact in cases involving crimes of violence, stalking, harassment, and sex offenses. Key changes include the introduction of provisions allowing a party or victim to request modifications or terminations of such orders, and stipulations that these orders will automatically terminate upon dismissal, acquittal, or sentencing. Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement agencies must enter these orders into relevant databases, ensuring better tracking and enforcement of prohibitions against contact with victims.

Furthermore, the bill revises sentencing alternatives for individuals convicted of offenses, explicitly including "an order prohibiting contact" as one of the potential sentences. This addition emphasizes the importance of protecting victims and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions. The bill also clarifies that if a court imposes a sentence of imprisonment, it may prohibit the offender from contacting the victim during their incarceration. Overall, these amendments aim to strengthen victim protections and improve the judicial process related to violent crimes and offenses against individuals.

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