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 is added to chapter 12-44.1, which establishes a correctional facility grant committee responsible for evaluating re-entry programs, administering grants to correctional facilities, and providing annual reports on the program's status. The bill also amends section 12-47-31 to require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to facilitate the process for offenders to obtain identification and provide appropriate clothing and transportation upon release, as well as connect them to Medicaid and other health services.

Additionally, the bill creates new sections in chapter 54-23.3 to form a housing task force that will address barriers to housing for individuals released from custody and report on housing assistance programs. It also mandates the examination of criminal justice data collection and dissemination processes, with a focus on improving data connectivity among various system partners. The legislative intent is to apply for federal grants to support these initiatives, and a study on expanding access to criminal record sealing is also proposed for the 2025-26 interim.

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