This bill amends section 31-01-16 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the compensation and travel expenses for witnesses in civil and criminal cases. The bill establishes that witnesses are entitled to receive a daily compensation of twenty-five dollars for their attendance at court or other tribunals, excluding municipal court. Additionally, it specifies that witnesses will be reimbursed for mileage and travel expenses at the rates set for state employees.

In criminal cases, the attorney general is responsible for paying prosecution witness fees and expenses, which are capped at thirty thousand dollars per county per biennium. The commission on legal counsel for indigents will cover witness fees for cases where counsel has been provided. Notably, the bill prohibits compensation for prisoners as witnesses. Furthermore, if a county exceeds its thirty thousand dollar reimbursement limit during a biennium, it may enter into an agreement with another county to utilize any unused reimbursement funds, subject to the attorney general's approval.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 31-01-16