The bill amends subsection 1 of section 54-61-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, which establishes the commission on legal counsel for indigents. The commission is tasked with developing and monitoring the delivery of state-funded legal counsel services for indigents, as required by both the North Dakota and United States Constitutions. A significant insertion in this amendment is the presumption of indigence for incarcerated individuals when establishing release conditions at their initial appearances.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $463,644 from the general fund for the commission to provide legal counsel services specifically for incarcerated individuals during their initial appearances, covering the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The effective date for the provisions in Section 1 of the Act is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-61-01
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Klemin: 54-61-01
Enrollment: 54-61-01