This bill establishes a new section in the North Dakota Century Code to create an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law. The clinic will employ one full-time staff attorney who will manage a maximum of sixty open cases at any given time. The clinic will have the flexibility to provide legal services remotely based on client needs and may charge nominal fees to sustain its operations.
Additionally, the bill mandates the University of North Dakota School of Law to prepare a comprehensive report detailing the clinic's status, including its impact, sustainability, student participation, and the demographics of individuals seeking legal services. The report will also address any challenges faced in developing the clinic and propose necessary legislation for its successful operation. To support the establishment of the clinic, the bill appropriates $400,000 from the strategic investment and improvements fund for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, as a one-time funding item.