Closed records and grounds to file a petition to seal a criminal record.
Impact
The bill modifies existing laws governing how criminal records are handled in North Dakota, particularly those relating to nonconviction records. By implementing a more straightforward process for sealing records, the legislation intends to reduce the barriers that past offenders face in moving forward with their lives after being acquitted or having charges dismissed. This aligns with broader criminal justice reforms aimed at addressing issues of over-criminalization and aiding reintegration into society.
Summary
House Bill 1166 aims to amend sections of the North Dakota Century Code relating to the sealing of certain criminal records. Specifically, the bill establishes provisions for closing nonconviction records, which states that if a court enters an order of nonconviction, the related court record will be automatically closed after a set period. The bill aims to streamline the process for individuals looking to seal their records, making it easier for those who meet certain criteria, such as not having been convicted of a new crime for a specified duration, to do so.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment around HB 1166 appears to be largely positive, with debates emphasizing its potential to benefit individuals impacted by previous convictions. Supporters argue that it represents a progressive step towards rehabilitative justice, advocating for the rights of individuals to have a fresh start. However, there may also be concerns related to ensuring public safety and justice for victims, which could fuel some opposition to the bill.
Contention
Notable points of contention within the discussions surrounding the bill include the balance between facilitating the sealing of records for rehabilitated individuals versus the need to maintain transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system. Critics may raise points about the potential implications for public safety or the perception of 'hiding' criminal histories, while proponents emphasize the importance of allowing individuals with nonconviction statuses a chance at a new beginning.
Criminal code definitions, weapons definitions, mandatory prison terms for armed offenders, and persons who are not to possess firearms; and to provide a penalty.
Fingerprint criminal history record checks for certified family foster home for children providers and psychiatric residential treatment facility for children, identifying who the department of health and human services may require criminal history record checks from, and criminal history record checks for volunteers and students for field placement at child-placing agencies and children's advocacy centers.
Conditions of eligibility for release programs, sentencing of violent offenders, assumption of risk in crimes, revocation of teacher's license due to a crime against a child, child welfare definitions, petition for termination of parental rights, and the statute of limitations for felonies except murder or mass murder; and to provide a penalty.
A BILL for an Act to provide for a legislative management study relating to statutory provisions that prohibit certain individuals from possessing a firearm.
Preventive treatment, requests for reconsideration of claim decisions issued by the organization, providing employer account information, calculation of an employer's premium and creating a presumption of accuracy, an employer conducting business with a known uninsured employer, requests for reconsideration of employer decisions issued by the organization, and privacy of records; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide for application.
Child abuse and neglect, the child abuse information index, disclosure of records for child protection purposes, prenatal exposure to controlled substances and alcohol, and alternative response assessments.