This bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to costs and fees in eminent domain proceedings. It specifies that when a public corporation acquires property through condemnation, it is bound by the judgment and must pay the full amount of damages within six months. If the public corporation dismisses the action before judgment, the court is required to award the defendant reasonable costs, which now explicitly include attorney's fees and costs for retaining an expert witness. Additionally, the court may award costs to the defendant, including interest and attorney's fees for all judicial proceedings, and if the defendant appeals and does not prevail, the costs may be taxed against them.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that if the state or any public entity withdraws or dismisses eminent domain proceedings without the defendant's agreement, they are liable for all court costs, expenses, and fees incurred by the landowner, including reasonable attorney's fees and expert witness costs. This amendment aims to ensure that defendants in eminent domain cases are fairly compensated for their legal expenses when proceedings are not pursued to completion.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 32-15-28, 32-15-32, 32-15-35