The bill amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the attorney recruitment and retention program. Key changes include the insertion of "and retention" in multiple sections, emphasizing the program's dual focus on not only recruiting but also retaining attorneys in rural counties and municipalities. Eligibility criteria for counties and municipalities have been updated, with the population requirement for counties now based on the number of licensed attorneys residing in the area rather than a fixed population number. Additionally, the bill establishes a continuing appropriation for the attorney recruitment and retention assistance program fund, ensuring that funds collected are allocated for attorney payments under the program.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of participating counties and municipalities, including their obligation to contribute a portion of the incentive payment for attorneys. It specifies that attorneys must practice in selected areas for at least five consecutive years to qualify for the program and receive an incentive payment of $45,000, distributed in five annual installments. Furthermore, it includes provisions for the repayment of funds if an attorney breaches the agreement and clarifies that individuals who have previously participated in similar programs are ineligible for this program. Overall, the amendments aim to strengthen the legal support in underserved areas of North Dakota by improving the recruitment and retention of attorneys.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 27-02.2-01, 27-02.2-02, 27-02.2-03, 27-02.2-04, 27-02.2-05, 27-02.2-06, 27-02.2-09, 27-02.2-10, 27-02.2-11
Enrollment: 27-02.2-01, 27-02.2-02, 27-02.2-03, 27-02.2-04, 27-02.2-05, 27-02.2-06, 27-02.2-09, 27-02.2-10, 27-02.2-11