This bill aims to enhance the correctional system in North Dakota by establishing a correctional facility grant program, creating a housing task force, and improving criminal justice data collection. A new section to chapter 12-44.1 introduces a correctional facility grant committee responsible for evaluating re-entry programs, administering grants to county, regional, or tribal correctional facilities, and providing annual reports on the program's status. Additionally, the bill amends section 12-47-31 to facilitate the process for offenders to obtain identification upon release and ensure they receive appropriate clothing and transportation, as well as access to Medicaid assistance or other health services.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a housing task force to address barriers to housing for individuals released from custody, which will report annually on housing assistance programs and coordination among housing providers. It also mandates a review of criminal justice data collection and sharing practices, aiming to standardize and improve data connectivity among system partners. The legislative intent includes applying for federal grants to support re-entry programs, and a study on expanding access to criminal record sealing is proposed for the 2025-26 interim, focusing on automation and eligibility expansion for record sealing and expungement processes.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12-47-31
Adopted by the House Judiciary Committee: 12-47-31
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 12-47-31
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee: 12-47-31
SECOND ENGROSSMENT: 12-47-31
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Paulson: 12-47-31
Enrollment: 12-47-31