All Roll Calls
Yes: 138 • No: 1
North DakotaHB 12632025 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT to amend and reenact section 12-60.1-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to hearings on petitions to seal a criminal record.
Sponsored By: Nels Christianson (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
Stricter rules to seal criminal records
The law requires clear and convincing proof to seal a criminal record. You must show good cause and that sealing helps you more than keeping the record open. You must complete all prison and probation terms and pay all court-ordered restitution. You must show rehabilitation and meet all filing rules. Judges also weigh the crime’s severity, time since it happened, your progress, any aggravating or mitigating factors, your record, work and community ties, and input from police, prosecutors, corrections, and victims.
Appeals limited and refiling wait
If a district judge or magistrate denies your petition, you cannot appeal. If a municipal court denies it, you can appeal to district court for a new review with no filing fee. After a district court denial, you cannot appeal further. A district court may bar you from refiling for up to one year if it shows good cause, and it must explain why.
Sealed records and background checks
If the court seals your record, the order states you are sufficiently rehabilitated. Sealed records still must be shared when a law requires a criminal history background check. You also remain subject to North Dakota’s other law on sealed records (section 12.1-33-02.1).
Sealing timeline and prosecutor input changes
A hearing on a sealing request cannot be held earlier than 45 days after you file. The prosecutor must, when practical, tell and seek input from police, witnesses, victims, and corrections officials. A prosecutor can agree to seal without a hearing or on a faster timeline. These steps add time and input, but can speed things up if the prosecutor agrees.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Nels Christianson
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Jared Hendrix
Republican • House
Dawson Holle
Republican • House
Daniel Johnston
Republican • House
Claire Cory
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/9/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 45 nays 1
Yes: 45 • No: 1
House vote • 2/3/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 93 nays 0
Yes: 93 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/16
4/21/2025HouseSigned by Governor 04/16
4/18/2025HouseSent to Governor
4/15/2025HouseSigned by Speaker
4/15/2025HouseSigned by President
4/14/2025SenateReturned to House
4/9/2025HouseSecond reading, passed, yeas 45 nays 1
4/9/2025SenateReported back, do pass, place on calendar 7 0 0
4/8/2025SenateCommittee Hearing 10:30
4/2/2025SenateIntroduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee
2/13/2025SenateReceived from House
2/4/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 93 nays 0
2/3/2025HouseAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
1/30/2025HouseReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 14 0 0
1/29/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 11:00
1/28/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee
1/13/2025House
Bill Text
Adopted by the House Judiciary Committee
Enrollment
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
INTRODUCED
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