The 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. It 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, witnesses will be reimbursed for mileage and travel expenses at the rates set for state employees. The bill also specifies that 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.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision allowing counties that exceed the thirty thousand dollar reimbursement limit during a biennium to enter into agreements with other counties to utilize any unused reimbursement funds, subject to the attorney general's approval. It is also noted that prisoners are not eligible for compensation as witnesses under this section. The changes aim to clarify and update the compensation structure for witnesses while providing flexibility for counties in managing their reimbursement limits.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 31-01-16