North Dakota House Bill HB1433

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23
• Report DNP: 1/27/23

Caption

A BILL for an Act to authorize the department of corrections and rehabilitation to convey real property owned by the state of North Dakota; to authorize the department of corrections and rehabilitation to acquire certain real property in Burleigh or Morton Counties; and to provide a continuing appropriation.

Impact

The passage of HB1433 would significantly change the operational landscape for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation by allowing it to sell excess property and utilize the funding for the construction of new facilities. The funds generated from the conveyance are directed towards building these new facilities, thus providing a streamlined resource allocation. Any surplus from these transactions will be allocated to a special fund designated for ongoing building maintenance, enhancing the longevity and functionality of the new assets.

Summary

House Bill 1433 seeks to enhance the operational capacity of the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation by authorizing the conveyance of real estate used for the Missouri River correctional center. The bill enables the state to acquire new properties in Burleigh or Morton Counties to facilitate the construction of new correctional facilities to replace the existing ones. This initiative underlines a strategic move towards modernizing correctional infrastructure while capitalizing on state-owned real estate.

Contention

Although the bill appears to hold promise for improving correctional facility capacity, it may also raise community concerns regarding the location and potential environmental implications of constructing new facilities. Stakeholders may worry about how such developments could impact local neighborhoods and resources, necessitating ongoing discussions about zoning and environmental assessments. Proponents argue that the modernization of correctional facilities is essential for effective rehabilitation and safety, but critics may voice apprehension regarding the broader impacts of placing new facilities in specific locales.