This bill amends subsection 1 of section 54-61-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the commission on legal counsel for indigents. The amendment establishes that the commission is responsible for developing and monitoring state-funded legal counsel services for indigents, as required by both the North Dakota and United States Constitutions. A significant insertion in the bill states that for the purpose of establishing release conditions at an initial appearance, an incarcerated individual is presumed to be indigent.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $615,734 from the general fund to the commission on legal counsel for indigents. This funding is designated for providing legal counsel services specifically for incarcerated individuals during their initial appearances, covering the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-61-01