This bill amends sections 12.1-31-01.2 and 14-07.1-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on sexual assault restraining orders and domestic violence protection orders. Key provisions include the establishment of a process for victims of sexual assault to seek restraining orders, which can be granted temporarily pending a full hearing. The bill specifies that a restraining order can only be issued against the individual named in the petition and outlines the penalties for violations, including class A misdemeanors for initial violations and class C felonies for subsequent violations. Additionally, the bill mandates that the name of the victim in a protection order must be kept confidential and redacted from public records.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new legal language that ensures hearings on petitions for both sexual assault restraining orders and domestic violence protection orders are closed to the public, allowing only certain individuals, such as the parties involved and their attorneys, to be present. This aims to protect the privacy of victims during legal proceedings. The bill also clarifies that fees for filing and service of process will not be charged to petitioners seeking relief due to sexual assault, thereby reducing barriers for victims seeking legal protection.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12.1-31-01.2, 14-07.1-02