This bill establishes a framework for 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 prosecution-led 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 introduces a "deflection process" that enables law enforcement and first responders to facilitate assessments and treatment for individuals with behavioral health issues instead of pursuing criminal charges, provided there is no serious criminal activity involved.

The bill also 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 includes provisions for a legislative study on the costs and benefits of pretrial service programs, aiming to identify opportunities for reinvestment in programs that reduce recidivism. The bill appropriates a total of $1,805,000 for the biennium from the strategic investment and improvements fund to support the implementation of these initiatives, including funding for personnel, treatment services, and consulting for the study.