21.0759.01000
Sixty-seventh
Legislative Assembly HOUSE BILL NO. 1283
of North Dakota
Introduced by
Representatives Boschee, Adams, Buffalo, Hager, Roers Jones, Schneider
Senators Hogan, Oban
1 A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 34-05 of the North Dakota
2 Century Code, relating to establishing an ombudsman position in the department of labor and
3 human rights; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an appropriation.
4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NORTH DAKOTA:
5 SECTION 1. A new section to chapter 34-05 of the North Dakota Century Code is created
6 and enacted as follows:
7 Ombudsman - Duties - Report to legislative management.
8 1. The department of labor and human rights shall employ an ombudsman to provide
9 resources to landlords and tenants to assist in the mitigation of legal issues, prevent
10 homelessness, and educate individuals on the rights and responsibilities of landlords
11 and tenants.
12 2. The ombudsman shall:
13 a. Collect data annually on the types of inquiries received by the department;
14 b. Provide a biennial report to the legislative management; and
15 c. Create and maintain materials regarding landlord and tenants rights and
16 responsibilities in the state.
17 3. The materials created and maintained under subsection 2 must include relevant state
18 and federal laws, rules, and regulations relating to renting or leasing real property in
19 the state. The materials must be available to the public on the department's internet
20 website and in paper copy upon request.
21 4. The department shall establish a toll-free telephone number and internet website for
22 the public to access.
23 SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION. There is appropriated out of any moneys in the general
24 fund in the state treasury, not otherwise appropriated, the sum of $250,000, or so much of the
Page No. 1 21.0759.01000
 Sixty-seventh
Legislative Assembly
1 sum as may be necessary, to the department of labor and human rights for the purpose of one
2 full-time equivalent ombudsman position, for the biennium beginning July 1, 2021, and ending
3 June 30, 2023.
Page No. 2 21.0759.01000