ND
North Dakota Senate Bill SB2022

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2022

Introduced
1/7/25  
Refer
1/7/25  
Report Pass
1/30/25  
Engrossed
2/4/25  
Refer
2/18/25  
Report Pass
3/31/25  
Enrolled
4/18/25  

Caption

Categories of positions in the state service; and to provide for a legislative management study.

Impact

The bill's passage is expected to have a significant impact on state laws concerning the provision of legal counsel to indigent individuals. By increasing the funding and potentially administering a pool of full-time equivalent positions, the bill aims to ensure better legal services for people who do not have the financial means to hire an attorney. This could mean a higher quality of defense for accused individuals in the criminal justice system and thus improve overall access to justice in North Dakota.

Summary

Senate Bill 2022 focuses on providing financial support for the commission on legal counsel for indigents in North Dakota. The bill appropriates funds necessary for the commission to cover expenses over a two-year period, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. This includes a substantial budget increase for the commission, intended to enhance its capabilities in providing legal representation for those unable to afford legal counsel, particularly in criminal cases. Furthermore, the bill also seeks to create a new subsection within the North Dakota Century Code related to the employment of attorneys in this commission, which signifies a move towards more structured legal support for indigents.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 2022 appears to be largely positive, with strong bipartisan support evident in the voting history, where the bill passed the Senate with a vote of 46-0 and the House with 81-9. This indicates a collaborative recognition of the necessity to improve legal representation for indigents. However, the extent of budget increases and the specific impacts on implementation may generate discussions during the legislative management study proposed in the bill.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB 2022 might arise from the establishment of the North Dakota public defenders office under the commission’s authority. During the upcoming legislative management study, discussions will likely focus on the implications of such changes for the administration of public defense, potential bureaucratic challenges, and how this restructuring may affect the delivery of legal services. Stakeholders may voice differing opinions on the effectiveness of such a centralized system versus existing models of public defense.

Latest SB2022 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2018

Permit fees; to provide an exemption; to provide a statement of legislative intent; and to provide for a legislative management study.

ND SB2003

Transfers from the lottery operating fund to the multijurisdictional drug task force grant fund and the salary of the attorney general; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2024

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the ethics commission; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.

ND SB2004

The powers and duties of the state auditor and the salary of the state auditor; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2012

The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2393

The state leave sharing program, capitol grounds rent collections, and the law enforcement retirement program; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2015

A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1001

Legislative compensation; to provide a report; to provide an exemption; to provide for application, transfer, and cancellation of unexpended appropriations; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2016

AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the office of the adjutant general; to provide an exemption; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a transfer; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1004

The deposit of judgment funds; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for an exemption.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.