North DakotaHB 13132025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 12.1-32-02 and subdivision h of subsection 5 of section 39-08-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to sentencing alternatives and the sentencing of a defendant to an addiction treatment program for a violation of driving under the influence; and to provide for application.

Sponsored By: Bernie Satrom (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

DUI treatment counts; no state payment

For DUI cases that include jail or placement, the court can order licensed addiction treatment if an evaluation shows need. Time spent in treatment counts toward the sentence. Courts cannot make the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation pay for treatment in a private facility. You may need insurance or other payment for private treatment costs.

More court options focused on treatment

Courts must choose one or more sentence options from a set list. Options include probation, fines, jail, restitution, and treatment-focused paths. Judges can place people in treatment programs, including community or faith-based programs, when appropriate. Courts can also use drug court, veterans treatment dockets, and mental health courts approved by the state Supreme Court.

Stronger no-contact and restitution rules

When someone is sent to prison, the court can ban all contact with the victim during that time. Courts must follow set state procedures when ordering restitution, no‑contact, or work‑detail sentences.

Minors sentenced go to state custody

If the defendant is under 18 at sentencing, any jail time must be served in the custody of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Other placement options are not allowed for minors.

No unconditional discharge; time caps apply

Sentences under these options cannot be longer than the maximum prison time set by law. The law does not allow an unconditional discharge after conviction, unless another statute specifically allows it.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bernie Satrom

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Mitch Ostlie

    Republican • House

  • Cole Conley

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 136 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/12/2025

Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0

Yes: 47 • No: 0

House vote 1/31/2025

Second reading, passed, yeas 89 nays 0

Yes: 89 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Filed with Secretary Of State 03/24

    3/25/2025House
  2. Signed by Governor 03/21

    3/24/2025House
  3. Sent to Governor

    3/20/2025House
  4. Signed by Speaker

    3/20/2025House
  5. Signed by President

    3/14/2025Senate
  6. Returned to House

    3/13/2025House
  7. Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0

    3/12/2025Senate
  8. Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 6 0 1

    3/11/2025Senate
  9. Committee Hearing 09:00

    3/11/2025Senate
  10. Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee

    2/13/2025Senate
  11. Received from House

    2/3/2025Senate
  12. Second reading, passed, yeas 89 nays 0

    1/31/2025House
  13. Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 14 0 0

    1/29/2025House
  14. Committee Hearing 09:00

    1/28/2025House
  15. Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee

    1/13/2025House

Bill Text

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