This bill aims to enhance the correctional system in North Dakota by establishing several new programs and committees focused on re-entry services, housing assistance, and data collection. It creates a Correctional Facility Grant Committee to oversee a grant program that expands access to evidence-based programming in county, regional, and tribal correctional facilities. The bill also introduces a Native American re-entry program tailored to the needs of Native American offenders, a housing task force to address housing barriers for individuals released from custody, and a criminal justice data initiative to improve data collection and sharing among various agencies.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law regarding the discharge of offenders, ensuring they receive appropriate clothing, transportation, and access to Medicaid assistance upon release. It includes provisions for legislative intent to apply for federal grants to support these initiatives and mandates a study on expanding access to criminal record sealing. The bill appropriates funds for the implementation of these programs, including $1.5 million for correctional facility program grants and $25,000 for the Native American re-entry program, both for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12-47-31
Adopted by the House Judiciary Committee: 12-47-31
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 12-47-31