North DakotaSB 22112025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 27-02.2-01, 27-02.2-02, 27-02.2-03, 27-02.2-04, 27-02.2-05, 27-02.2-06, 27-02.2-09, 27-02.2-10, and 27-02.2-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the attorney recruitment and retention program.

Sponsored By: Brad Bekkedahl (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Prior service aid blocks attorney payments

Attorneys who previously participated in this recruitment and retention program cannot participate again. The bar also covers prior state or federal scholarships, loan repayment, or tuition reimbursement requiring attorney service in underserved areas. These attorneys cannot receive the program’s $45,000 incentive. This eligibility restriction does not itself require repayment of earlier aid.

Attorney payments require five years of service

Selected North Dakota-licensed attorneys get $45,000 in five annual payments of $9,000 for serving an approved community. They must meet Supreme Court requirements and practice full-time there for at least five consecutive years. No more than eight attorneys can participate at once. Local governments pay 35%: $15,750 total, or $3,150 yearly. Participating legal associations pay 15%: $6,750 total, or $1,350 yearly. The state covers 50%: $22,500 total, or $4,500 yearly, subject to legislative funding. After local payment is certified and association money arrives, the Court pays the remaining annual balance, subject to available funding. A dedicated state treasury fund receives program collections and provides ongoing spending authority for attorney payments. The Court approves and files service agreements; attorneys who breach them must repay all program money received. Failure to repay is grounds for professional discipline by the Court.

Attorney shortages now determine county eligibility

Counties qualify under the size rule when five or fewer licensed attorneys live there, replacing the former 16,000-resident limit. This allows some counties to qualify while excluding others. Municipalities qualify under their size rule with populations of 5,000 or fewer. Local governments must apply, agree to pay their required share, and receive North Dakota Supreme Court approval. The Court assesses local need and ability to support an attorney using demographics, local attorneys, and the district judge’s recommendation. It also considers economic development programs, nearby participating areas, and past participation. The Court maintains a list of assessed and selected areas and can reassess them as conditions change.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brad Bekkedahl

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Zachary Ista

    Democratic • House

  • Lawrence R. Klemin

    Republican • House

  • Mary Schneider

    Democratic • House

  • David Hogue

    Republican • Senate

  • Diane Larson

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 118 • No: 19

House vote • 3/11/2025

Second reading, passed, yeas 73 nays 17

Yes: 73 • No: 17

Senate vote • 2/7/2025

Second reading, passed, yeas 45 nays 2

Yes: 45 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Filed with Secretary Of State 03/18

    3/20/2025House
  2. Signed by Governor 03/18

    3/18/2025Senate
  3. Sent to Governor

    3/17/2025Senate
  4. Signed by President

    3/17/2025Senate
  5. Signed by Speaker

    3/14/2025House
  6. Returned to Senate

    3/12/2025Senate
  7. Second reading, passed, yeas 73 nays 17

    3/11/2025House
  8. Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 11 0 2

    3/7/2025House
  9. Committee Hearing 02:30

    3/6/2025House
  10. Introduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions Committee

    2/18/2025House
  11. Received from Senate

    2/10/2025House
  12. Second reading, passed, yeas 45 nays 2

    2/7/2025Senate
  13. Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 5 0 0

    2/6/2025Senate
  14. Committee Hearing 09:45

    1/31/2025Senate
  15. Introduced, first reading, referred Workforce Development Committee

    1/15/2025Senate

Bill Text

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