All Roll Calls
Yes: 229 • No: 4
North DakotaHB 13862025 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 12.1-27.2-01 and 12.1-27.2-04.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a prohibition on possessing certain computer-generated images; and to provide a penalty.
Sponsored By: Josh Christy (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Felony penalties for child sexual images
It is a class C felony to knowingly possess any photo, movie, or computer‑made image that shows sexual conduct by a minor, when the person knows its character and content. The crime is a class B felony if any aggravator applies: 20 or more images; sadistic or masochistic content or other violence; sexual bestiality; a prepubescent child or a child under 12; or a prior conviction that requires registration under section 12.1-32-15. It is a class A felony if it involved sexual abuse or an image of an infant or toddler.
Platforms not liable for user content
Providers of interactive computer services, internet service, cloud services, cybersecurity services, and telecom or information networks are not liable under this chapter for content provided by another person. The immunity applies only to third‑party content.
AI and staged child images covered
The law treats computer‑generated images made by AI or other software the same as other images. It treats visuals changed to look like someone under 18 as showing a minor. It defines sexual conduct to include real or simulated intercourse, sodomy, bestiality, masturbation, sadomasochistic abuse, lewd exposure of buttocks, breasts, or genitals, nude images made for sexual arousal, and touching genitals or breasts. It defines simulated to mean depictions that look like real sexual acts. It also clarifies that plays, movies, photos, and dances are performances, and that promoting includes making, selling, sharing, mailing, showing, or advertising.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Josh Christy
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Landon Bahl
Republican • House
Mike Berg
Republican • House
Liz Conmy
Democratic • House
Karen Grindberg
Republican • House
Jeff Hoverson
Republican • House
Alisa Mitskog
Democratic • House
Jeremy Olson
Republican • House
Josh Boschee
Democratic • Senate
Janne Myrdal
Republican • Senate
Jonathan Sickler
Republican • Senate
Paul J. Thomas
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/14/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 92 nays 2
Yes: 92 • No: 2
Senate vote • 4/1/2025
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 46 nays 0
Yes: 46 • No: 0
House vote • 2/3/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 91 nays 2
Yes: 91 • No: 2
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/22
4/24/2025HouseSigned by Governor 04/21
4/23/2025HouseSent to Governor
4/18/2025HouseSigned by Speaker
4/18/2025HouseSigned by President
4/16/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 92 nays 2
4/14/2025HouseConcurred
4/14/2025HouseReturned to House (12)
4/2/2025HouseSecond reading, passed as amended, yeas 46 nays 0
4/1/2025SenateAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
3/28/2025SenateReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 7 0 0
3/27/2025SenateCommittee Hearing 02:30
3/26/2025SenateIntroduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee
2/13/2025SenateReceived from House
2/4/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 91 nays 2
2/3/2025HouseAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
1/30/2025HouseReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 7 4 3
1/29/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 02:57
1/27/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 10:30
1/20/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee
1/13/2025House
Bill Text
Adopted by the House Judiciary Committee
Adopted by the Senate Judiciary Committee
Enrollment
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
FIRST ENGROSSMENT with Senate Amendments
INTRODUCED
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