This bill amends section 12.1-34-07 of the North Dakota Century Code to expand the scope of medical examinations for victims of criminal conduct, specifically including victims of domestic violence alongside those of criminal sexual conduct. The bill stipulates that acute forensic medical examinations must be performed within 120 hours after the alleged crime, unless there is good cause for a delay. It ensures that the costs of these examinations, as well as preliminary medical screenings, are not charged to the victims. Additionally, it includes provisions for child forensic medical examinations, which now encompass cases of physical abuse and neglect.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates $200,000 from the state general fund to the attorney general for a domestic violence forensic medical examination program, which will support community-based or hospital-based examiner programs and related administrative costs for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. Organizations receiving these funds are required to report on their use of the funds and program outcomes, while the attorney general must report on the number of victims receiving examinations and collaborative efforts to assist them.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12.1-34-07
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Cleary: 12.1-34-07
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 12.1-34-07
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Larson: 12.1-34-07
SECOND ENGROSSMENT: 12.1-34-07