North Dakota 2025 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1032 Amended / Bill

Filed 04/03/2025

                    25.0279.04000
Sixty-ninth
Legislative Assembly
of North Dakota
Introduced by
Legislative Management
(Judiciary Committee)
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new subsection to section 27-05-06 and chapter 40-18.1 
of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to jurisdiction of district courts and municipal court 
requirements, jurisdiction, procedures, and processes; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of 
section 29-07-01.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to indigent defense; and to 
repeal sections 40-11-10, 40-11-11, 40-11-12, and 40-11-13 and chapter 40-18 of the North 
Dakota Century Code, relating to ordinance violations and municipal judges.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NORTH DAKOTA:
SECTION 1. A new subsection to section 27-05-06 of the North Dakota Century Code is 
created and enacted as follows:
Power to hear and determine all actions and proceedings arising from the
enforcement of city ordinances in a city:
a.With a population of fewer than five thousand in which there is not a municipal 
court or municipal judge under chapter 40 	- 18.1. 
b.That has entered an agreement under section  	40 - 18.1 - 23 or  40 - 18.1 - 25. 
SECTION 2. AMENDMENT. Subsection 1 of section 29-07-01.1 of the North Dakota 
Century Code is amended and reenacted as follows:
1.Lawyers provided to represent indigent persons must be compensated at a 
reasonable rate to be determined by the commission on legal counsel for indigents. 
Expenses necessary for the adequate defense of an indigent person prosecuted in 
district court, other than for a violation of a home rule county's ordinance, when 
approved by the commission, must be paid by the state. Expenses necessary for the 
adequate defense of an indigent person prosecuted for violation of a home rule 
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ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 1032
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
with Senate Amendments
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county's ordinance must be paid by the home rule county. Expenses necessary for the 
adequate defense of an indigent person prosecuted infor a violation of a municipal 
courtordinance, when approved by the judge, must be paid by the city in which the 
alleged offense took place. The city shallcity shall also pay the expenses in any matter 
transferred to district court pursuant tounder section 40-18-06.2 or 
40-18-15.140 - 18.1 - 18,  40 - 18.1 - 23,  40 - 18.1 - 24, or 40 - 18.1 - 25 , in any appeal taken to 
district court from a judgment of conviction in municipal court pursuant tounder section 
40-18-1940 - 18.1 - 19 or 40 - 18.1 - 20 , and in an appeal or postconviction matter seeking 
relief from a conviction resulting from violation of a municipal ordinance. A defendant 
requesting representation by counsel at public expense, or for whom counsel provided 
at public expense without a request is considered appropriate by the court, shall 
submit an application for indigent defense services. For an application for indigent 
defense services in the district court, a nonrefundable application fee of thirty-five 
dollars must be paid at the time the application is submitted. The district court may 
extend the time for payment of the fee or may waive or reduce the fee if the court 
determines the defendant is financially unable to pay all or part of the fee. If the 
application fee is not paid before disposition of the case, the fee amount must be 
added to the amount to be reimbursed under this section. Application fees collected 
under this subsection must be forwarded for deposit in the indigent defense 
administration fund established under subsection 4.
SECTION 3. Chapter 40-18.1 of the North Dakota Century Code is created and enacted as 
follows:
40 - 18.1 - 01. Establishment of a municipal court. 
1.The governing body of a city may, by ordinance or resolution, establish a municipal 
court which is a part of the unified judicial system of this state. The supreme court may 
supervise and sanction municipal courts and municipal court judges. A staff attorney 
with the state court administrator's office may advise a municipal court judge and clerk 
on an administrative and procedural court issue.
2.The governing body shall, by ordinance, provide for the election of at least one 
full - time or part - time judge. 
3.A city that establishes a municipal court shall provide:
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a.Facilities for the use of the municipal court to conduct trials, hearings, and other 
necessary duties; and
b.Necessary supplies and technology and sufficient clerical and nonjudicial support 
personnel to assist the municipal judge.
4.Municipal court must be held at the time and place designated by the municipal judge. 
The court schedule must be posted publicly by filing the notice with the city auditor's 
office and posting the notice on the city's website if the city has a website.
5.Two or more cities, by resolution, may enter an agreement establishing a single joint 
municipal court. A copy of the agreement must be filed with the state court 
administrator. The agreement must include the name of the joint municipal court. As 
used in this chapter, "municipal court" includes a joint municipal court.
6.Two or more cities, by resolution, may enter an agreement to provide jointly for 
courtrooms, chambers, equipment, supplies, and staff for municipal courts and agree 
to elect judges without establishing a joint municipal court. A copy of the agreement 
must be filed with the state court administrator. If municipal courts share facilities and 
resources in this manner, the identities of the individual courts must be expressed in 
the case caption.
7.An agreement under subsection   5 or   6 may be terminated in the manner provided in  
the agreement. If the agreement does not include a provision for termination, the 
agreement may be terminated by any party upon the provision of not fewer than thirty 
days notice to the governing bodies.
8.Beginning July  1, 2026, the municipal court is a court of record. 
40 - 18.1 - 02. Jurisdiction. 
1.The municipal court has jurisdiction to hear, try, and determine offenses against the 
ordinances of any city served by the court.
2.Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the municipal court does not have 
jurisdiction to hear, try, and determine:
a.An offense that would be a violation of section 39 	- 08 - 01 or equivalent ordinance,  
if the individual charged with the offense has twice previously been convicted of a 
violation of section 39 	- 08 - 01 or equivalent ordinance within the seven years  
preceding the commission of the offense charged or if the individual charged with 
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the offense has three times previously been convicted of a violation of section 
39 - 08 - 01 or equivalent ordinance within the fifteen years preceding the  
commission of the offense charged. If the offense is charged in the municipal 
court and the municipal judge has notice of a violation of section 39 	- 08 - 01 or  
equivalent ordinance twice within the seven years, or three times within the 
fifteen years, preceding the commission of the offense charged, the municipal 
judge shall dismiss the charge, without prejudice, and refer the matter to the 
state's attorney of the county in which the municipal court is located.
b.An offense that would be a violation of section 39 	- 08 - 01 or equivalent ordinance if  
the judge is not licensed to practice law in this state.
c.A domestic violence offense.
d.A criminal offense, including criminal traffic offenses, against a juvenile, except a 
municipal court may hear, try, and determine noncriminal offenses against a 
juvenile if the juvenile is not subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the juvenile 
court under chapter 27 	- 20.2. 
40 - 18.1 - 03. Fitness to proceed. 
1.If reason to doubt a defendant's fitness to proceed exists, as defined under section 
12.1 - 04 - 04, the case must be: 
a.Transferred to the district court for evaluation; or
b.Dismissed on motion by the prosecutor.
2.The district court shall order the defendant to undergo a fitness to proceed evaluation 
under chapter 12.1 	- 04. If the defendant is found fit to proceed, the case must be  
remanded to the municipal court for further proceedings.
3.The time to petition to transfer the matter to district court under section 40 	- 18.1 - 18 is  
suspended pending determination of the defendant's fitness to proceed.
4.If the defendant is found to lack fitness to proceed, the case must be dismissed.
5.In proceedings under this section, the city shall provide a prosecuting attorney and, in 
the case of an indigent defendant, a defense attorney. The city may contract with the 
county, state, or any person for the prosecution or defense services.
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40 - 18.1 - 04. Criminal responsibility. 
1.A case in which the defendant's criminal responsibility at the time of the crime is in 
question may be transferred to the district court for evaluation upon written request by 
the defendant. The defendant shall initiate the request within twenty 	- eight days after 
arraignment and the district court shall order the defendant to undergo a criminal 
responsibility evaluation under chapter 12.1 	- 04.1. 
2.Following the evaluation, if the defendant asserts the defense of lack of criminal 
responsibility, the case must remain in district court for trial. If the defendant does not 
assert the defense of lack of criminal responsibility, the district court shall remand the 
case to the municipal court for further proceedings.
3.In proceedings under this section, the city shall provide a prosecuting attorney and, in 
the case of an indigent defendant, a defense attorney. The city may contract with the 
county, state, or any person for the prosecution or defense services.
40 - 18.1 - 05. Election of municipal judge  	-  Qualifications. 
1.A municipal judge must be elected to serve a term of four years and may not hold any 
other office in the city in which the municipal judge serves as a judge. The city auditor 
shall notify the state court administrator of the election or appointment of a municipal 
judge or alternate municipal judge.
2.Except when prohibited by home rule charter or ordinance, the municipal judge may 
be a part-time judge and may serve as a municipal judge in more than one city.
3.A municipal judge in a city with a population of five thousand or more must be licensed 
to practice law in this state and must be a resident of the city unless the city, by 
ordinance or resolution, provides the municipal judge is not required to be a resident of 
the city.
4.The municipal judge in a city with a population of fewer than five thousand is not 
required to be licensed to practice law in this state and is not required to be a resident 
of the city.
5.The governing body of the city shall fix the compensation of the municipal judge.
40 - 18.1 - 06. Demand for change of judge. 
A party to a proceeding pending in a municipal court may obtain a change of judge under 
section 29 - 15 - 21. The municipal judge must be replaced in accordance with section 40 	- 18.1 - 07. 
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40 - 18.1 - 07. Vacancy in office of municipal judge  	-  Disqualification  	-  Temporary 
absence of municipal judge.
1.If a vacancy exists in the office of municipal judge by death, resignation, or otherwise, 
the governing body of the city shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy.
2.The governing body may appoint alternate municipal judges to serve when a municipal 
judge is unable to serve due to temporary absence, illness, disqualification, or 
disability. The alternate judges must be compensated at a rate set by the governing 
body.
3.If the alternate municipal judges also are disqualified or unavailable, the chief justice 
may appoint a district court judge to a temporary assignment as a municipal court 
judge for the purpose of presiding over the case.
40 - 18.1 - 08. Clerk of municipal court. 
1.The governing body of a city with a municipal court may provide for the office of clerk 
of the municipal court, which may include deputy clerks of municipal court. The 
governing body of the city shall appoint the clerk and deputy clerk, with the consent of 
the municipal judge. The governing body shall fix the salary of the municipal clerk and 
deputy clerk.
2.The clerk and deputy clerk of the municipal court shall issue all process of the court, 
administer oaths, file and preserve all papers, docket cases, set trials, and perform 
other acts necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the court. The clerk 
shall receive, account for, and pay on a monthly basis to the city general fund all fines 
and forfeited bonds paid into the court.
40 - 18.1 - 09. City prosecutor. 
1.A prosecutor licensed to practice law in this state must be present for all contested 
hearings and proceedings involving a class   B misdemeanor in a municipal court. 
2.The city shall pay the compensation of the prosecutor and any necessary expenses 
incurred in prosecuting a violation of a city ordinance.
40 - 18.1 - 10. Change of venue  	-  Reliable electronic means. 
1.A municipal judge shall consider the following factors when determining whether to 
change the venue of a proceeding under this chapter:
a.Convenience to the parties and witnesses.
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b.Judicial efficiency.
c.Available facilities.
d.Administration of justice.
2.A municipal judge may not change the venue of a proceeding if a party to the 
proceeding objects to the change.
3.A municipal judge may use contemporaneous audio or audiovisual transmission by 
reliable electronic means in accordance with rule   52 of the North Dakota Supreme  
Court Administrative Rules. A municipal judge who presides over a proceeding through 
contemporaneous audio or audiovisual transmission by reliable electronic means is 
equivalent to a municipal judge who is physically present at the proceeding.
40 - 18.1 - 11. Costs and fees. 
1.A municipal court:
a.May not assess costs or fees against any individual except as specifically 
provided in this chapter.
b.May assess a fee under subsection   2 of section 40 - 05 - 06. 
c.May assess a court administration fee and a community service supervision fee 
in an amount not to exceed the amounts allowed under section 29 	- 26 - 22. 
d.Shall assess the crime victim and witness program fee under section 27 	- 01 - 10. 
2.The judgment must itemize the fines and fees assessed.
40 - 18.1 - 12. Action for violation of ordinance in corporate name  	-  Previous 
prosecution, recovery, or acquittal no defense.
An action brought to recover a fine, enforce a penalty, or punish a violation of a city 
ordinance must be brought in the corporate name of the city as plaintiff. A prosecution, recovery, 
or acquittal for the violation of a city ordinance may not constitute a defense to any other 
prosecution of the same individual for any other violation of the ordinance, notwithstanding that 
the different claims for relief existed at the time of the previous prosecution and if united, would 
not have exceeded the jurisdiction of the court.
40 - 18.1 - 13. Summons to issue on violation of ordinance  	-  When warrant of arrest to  
issue.
An action for a violation of an ordinance is initiated by a uniform complaint under section 
29 - 05 - 31 or a complaint in compliance with the North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure. If  
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there is probable cause to believe a criminal offense has been committed by the individual 
charged, an arrest warrant must be issued, except a municipal judge may issue a summons 
instead of an arrest warrant if the municipal judge has reason to believe the individual charged 
will appear in response to the summons. An individual arrested under a warrant must be taken 
without unnecessary delay before the municipal judge to be tried for the alleged offense.
40 - 18.1 - 14. Commitment for nonpayment of fines or costs. 
Any individual upon whom any fine or costs, or both, has been imposed for violation of a 
municipal ordinance may, after hearing, be committed upon order of the court to jail or other 
place provided by the municipality for the incarceration of offenders until the fine or costs, or 
both, are fully paid. The court may not commit an individual under this section when the reason 
for the individual's nonpayment of fines or costs is the individual's indigency. A commitment 
order issued under this section may not exceed thirty days. As used in this section, "fine" does 
not include a fee established under subsection   2 of section 40 - 05 - 06. 
40 - 18.1 - 15. Fines, fees, and forfeitures for violation of ordinances paid into city  
general fund.
All fines, fees, penalties, and forfeitures collected for a violation of a city ordinance, 
including those collected as a result of a judgment of a district court rendered under section 
40 - 18.1 - 18, must be paid into the city's general fund. 
40 - 18.1 - 16. Diagnosis and treatment of individuals convicted of driving while under  
the influence.
If an individual is convicted under an ordinance equivalent to an offense under section 
39 - 08 - 01, the court shall sentence the defendant in accordance with that section. 
40 - 18.1 - 17. Sentencing alternatives  	-  Suspension of sentence or imposition of  
sentence.
Subject to section 40 	- 05 - 06, a municipal judge may use the sentencing alternatives  
provided under section 12.1 	- 32 - 02 and may suspend any sentence the judge imposes or defer  
the imposition of any sentence due to the good behavior of an individual adjudged to have 
committed an offense, or for other reasonable cause, under subsection   3 or   4 of section 
12.1 - 32 - 02, except a municipal judge may not suspend a sentence or the imposition of  
sentence for driving a motor vehicle in violation of an operator's license suspension, revocation, 
or restriction or for a violation of section 39 	- 08 - 01 or equivalent ordinance if the suspension of  
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sentence or suspension of the imposition of sentence is prohibited under section 39 	- 06 - 17 or  
39 - 06 - 42 or chapter 39 - 08. 
40 - 18.1 - 18. Transfer to district court  	-  Expenses of prosecution  	-  Division of funds  
and expenses among city, county, and state.
1.A defendant may request in writing to transfer the case to district court and to exercise 
the defendant's right to a jury trial within twenty 	- eight days after arraignment. If the  
request is filed within twenty 	- eight days after the arraignment, the judge shall grant the  
request.
2.If the defendant waives a jury trial after a transfer to district court, the district court 
shall remand the matter to the municipal court for disposition and sentencing if the 
parties agree to a remand.
3.Unless remanded to the municipal court by agreement of the parties, the district court 
retains jurisdiction for sentencing and enforcement.
4.The city shall provide a prosecuting attorney and, in the case of an indigent defendant, 
a defense attorney. The city may contract with the county, state, or any person for the 
prosecution or defense services.
5.The city, county, and state may agree to a division of any fees, fines, costs, forfeitures, 
and any other monetary consideration collected from cases transferred under this 
section, which must be paid to the city general fund and the county treasury and the 
state general fund at least once each quarter. At the time of payment, the clerk of 
district court shall account under oath to the city auditor, county treasurer, and state 
treasurer for all money collected. In the contract, the city, county, and state may agree 
to a division of expenses, including jury and witness expenses, related to cases 
transferred under this section. In the absence of a contract, all fees, fines, costs, 
forfeitures, and any other monetary consideration collected from transferred cases 
must be deposited in the state general fund.
40 - 18.1 - 19. Appeals from determinations of municipal judge not in courts of record. 
1.For a case filed before July   1, 2026, an appeal may be taken to the district court from  
a judgment of conviction or order deferring imposition of sentence in a municipal court 
in accordance with the North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure.
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2.An appeal is perfected by notice of appeal. A perfected appeal to the district court 
transfers the action to the district court for trial anew. Failure to remove the case under 
section 40 - 18.1 - 18 constitutes waiver of jury trial on appeal. 
3.On all appeals from a determination in a municipal court, the district court shall take 
judicial notice of all of the ordinances of the city.
4.A filing fee may not be required in district court for the filing of an appeal from a 
judgment of conviction for the violation of a city ordinance.
5.Expenses necessary for the adequate defense of an indigent individual in an appeal to 
the district court from a judgment of conviction for the violation of a municipal 
ordinance, as approved by the presiding district judge, must be paid by the city where 
the alleged offense took place.
6.Unless remanded to the municipal court by agreement of the parties, the district court 
retains jurisdiction for sentencing and enforcement.
40 - 18.1 - 20. Appeals from determinations of municipal judge in courts of record. 
1.For a case filed on or after July   1, 2026, an appeal may be taken to the district court  
from a judgment of conviction or order deferring imposition of sentence in a municipal 
court in accordance with the North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure.
2.An appeal from a municipal court of record must originate from the file, record, 
recording, transcript, or evidence from the municipal court.
3.The district court may affirm, reverse, or amend any appeal order or judgment and 
may direct the proper order or judgment be entered or direct a new trial or further 
proceeding be had in the court from which the appeal was taken.
40 - 18.1 - 21. Municipal judge may enforce orders and judgments and punish for  
contempt.
A municipal judge may enforce compliance with the court's orders and judgments. The 
judge may fine or imprison for contempt committed in the judge's presence while holding court, 
as well as for contempt of process issued, and of orders and judgments made by the judge. If 
an act or omission constituting a contempt in a municipal court is not committed in the presence 
of the municipal judge, an affidavit alleging the facts may be filed and a warrant of arrest may be 
issued on which the individual accused may be arrested and brought before the municipal judge 
immediately. The individual must be given a reasonable opportunity to employ counsel and 
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defend against the alleged contempt. After hearing the allegations and proof, the municipal 
judge may discharge the individual or adjudge the individual guilty and may punish by fine, 
imprisonment, or both. The fine in any case may not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars 
and the imprisonment may not exceed thirty days.
40 - 18.1 - 22. Judgment for fines, fees, or costs  	-  Procedure. 
1.If the judgment imposes a fine or assesses a fee, the municipal judge may order a 
certified copy of the judgment be filed in the office of the clerk of the district court of 
any county in the state. The clerk of district court shall treat the municipal court 
judgment in the same manner as a civil judgment of any district court of any county of 
the state.
2.At the time of filing the judgment with the office of the clerk of district court, the 
municipal court judge shall order an affidavit providing the name and last-known 
mailing address of the defendant and otherwise complying with section 28 	- 20 - 15 be  
filed.
3.Upon the filing of the judgment and affidavit, the clerk of municipal court shall mail 
notice of the filing of the municipal judgment to the defendant at the defendant's last-
known address and file proof of mailing with the district court. The notice must include 
the name and mailing address of the municipal court.
4.An execution of other process for enforcement of a municipal court judgment filed 
under this section may not be issued until ten days after the date the judgment is filed.
5.If the defendant shows the district court of any county that an appeal from the 
judgment is pending or will be taken, the court shall stay enforcement of the municipal 
court judgment until the appeal is concluded or the time for appeal expires.
6.The municipal judge shall order the defendant to pay a filing fee of ten dollars   to the  
clerk of district court.
7.Upon filing of the judgment with the district court in accordance with this chapter, the 
judgment is enforceable by the city only in the same manner as provided for a 
judgment for money in a civil action.
40 - 18.1 - 23. Transfer of municipal ordinance cases to district court. 
With the agreement of the state court administrator, the governing body of a city may, by 
ordinance, transfer some or all of the cases of the municipal court to the district court serving 
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the county in which the city is located without abolishing the municipal court. Cases transferred 
under this section are deemed district court cases for purposes of appeal. The agreement must 
provide the city is responsible for providing for the prosecution of the cases and for providing a 
defense attorney in cases involving an indigent defendant.
40 - 18.1 - 24. Abolition of municipal court in a city with a population of fewer than five  
thousand.
1.The governing body of a city with a population of fewer than five thousand having a 
municipal court may by resolution abolish its municipal court. The jurisdiction of a 
municipal court abolished by resolution must be transferred to the district court of the 
district in which the city is located.
2.The city auditor shall provide a copy of the resolution abolishing the court to the 
presiding judge and clerk of court of the district court for the district in which the city is 
located, the state's attorney for the county in which the city is located, and the state 
court administrator. The resolution must provide the effective date of the transfer of 
cases, which must be at least ninety days following the date of the resolution.
3.At least ten days before the effective date of the transfer, the clerk of the municipal 
court shall deliver to the clerk of the district court all cases pending action by the 
district court after the effective date of the resolution.
4.On the effective date of transfer, all proceedings relating to ordinance violations must 
be within the jurisdiction of the district court. Judgments of courts which cease to exist 
on the effective date of the resolution continue in effect and the district court may 
enforce the judgments. Fines, forfeitures, and costs due and unpaid on the effective 
date of the transfer and those which are subsequently collected on cases pending on 
the effective date of the transfer must be collected by the district court and remitted to 
the city.
5.The authority, duties, powers, jurisdiction, and term of the municipal judge terminates 
on the last day of the month in which all municipal cases have been transferred to the 
district court or the expiration of the judge's term, whichever occurs first.
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40 - 18.1 - 25. Abolition of municipal court in a city with a population of five thousand or  
more.
1.The governing body of a city with a population of five thousand or more having a 
municipal court may by resolution abolish its municipal court if the city has entered an 
agreement with:
a.The governing body of the county in which the municipal court is located;
b.The presiding judge of the district in which the municipal court is located; and
c.The state court administrator's office.
2.The agreement must provide for an effective date of the transfer of the municipal court 
cases to the district court not fewer than one hundred eighty days after the date of the 
agreement unless otherwise agreed upon.
3.At least ten days before the effective date of the transfer, the clerk of the municipal 
court shall deliver to the clerk of the district court all cases pending action by the 
district court after the effective date of the transfer.
4.On the effective date of the transfer, all proceedings relating to ordinance violations 
must be within the jurisdiction of the district court. Judgments of courts which cease to 
exist on the effective date of the agreement continue in effect and the district court 
may enforce the judgments. Fines, forfeitures, and costs due and unpaid on the 
effective date of the transfer and those which are subsequently collected on cases 
pending on the effective date must be collected by the district court and remitted to the 
city.
5.The authority, duties, powers, jurisdiction, and term of the municipal judge terminates 
on the last day of the month in which all municipal cases have been transferred to the 
district court or the expiration of the judge's term, whichever occurs first.
40 - 18.1 - 26. Compliance with rules adopted by the supreme court. 
1.The supreme court shall adopt rules governing:
a.Municipal court procedure;
b.Qualifications,  judicial conduct, and education of municipal judges; 
c.Qualification and education of municipal clerks;
d.Requirements of municipal court facilities; and
e.Records to be maintained and reports to be filed by the municipal court.
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31 Sixty-ninth
Legislative Assembly
2.Each municipal judge and alternate judge shall comply with the rules established by 
the supreme court. The city shall reimburse the judge for necessary travel expenses, 
meals, and lodging relating to compliance with the rules regarding qualifications, 
judicial conduct, and education in the same manner as other city officials are 
reimbursed.
3.If a municipal judge or alternate municipal judge fails to fulfill the requirements of the 
rules established by the supreme court, the judicial conduct commission may order the 
municipal judge not preside over municipal court proceedings.
SECTION 4. REPEAL. Sections 40-11-10, 40-11-11, 40-11-12, and 40-11-13 and chapter 
40-18 of the North Dakota Century Code are repealed.
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