This bill proposes the establishment of prosecution-led diversion programs and a deflection process for individuals with behavioral health conditions in North Dakota. It allows county state's attorneys to create and administer diversion programs, which can suspend prosecution for defendants who agree to certain conditions, including not committing new offenses during the suspension period. Each county must develop written guidelines and eligibility criteria for these programs. Additionally, the bill defines a "deflection process" that enables law enforcement and first responders to facilitate assessments and treatment for individuals with behavioral health issues, rather than resorting to incarceration. The bill outlines the necessary components of such a process, including participant assessment, case management, and performance management systems.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to supervise defendants participating in these diversion programs and establishes a pilot program for prosecution-led diversion supervision in three counties. It also calls for a legislative study on the costs and savings associated with pretrial service programs, aiming to identify opportunities for reinvestment in programs that reduce recidivism. The bill includes appropriations totaling $1,805,000 for the implementation of these initiatives, which will cover personnel, consulting services, and treatment services for participants in the diversion programs during the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.