25.3111.03000
Sixty-ninth
Legislative Assembly
of North Dakota
Introduced by
Representative Rios
(Approved by the Delayed Bills Committee)
A concurrent resolution directing the Legislative Management to consider studying the feasibility
of establishing mandatory reporting requirements for public officials, an investigative body for
allegations of child exploitation and abuse involving public officials, and severe penalties for
public officials who engage in, enable, or conceal child exploitation.
WHEREAS, the protection of children and vulnerable populations is a fundamental
responsibility of government; and
WHEREAS, individuals entrusted with positions of leadership and authority bear a greater
responsibility to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable, as noted in Luke 12:48, "From
everyone who has been given so much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has
been entrusted with much, much more will be asked"; and
WHEREAS, child exploitation, abuse, and trafficking are among the most heinous crimes,
as noted in Matthew 18:6, "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me,
it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in
the depth of the sea"; and
WHEREAS, a public official who participates in, enables, or knowingly conceals child
exploitation has betrayed his or her oath of office, contributed to the destruction of innocent
lives, and allowed evil to thrive under the protection of power and privilege; and
WHEREAS, the concealment of and participation in child exploitation within governmental
institutions represents a severe breach of duty that demands heightened accountability,
including criminal penalties and permanent removal from public service;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
NORTH DAKOTA, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN:
That the Legislative Management consider studying the feasibility of establishing mandatory
reporting requirements for public officials, an investigative body for allegations of child
Page No. 1 25.3111.03000
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3037
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24 Sixty-ninth
Legislative Assembly
exploitation and abuse involving public officials, and severe penalties for public officials who
engage in, enable, or conceal child exploitation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the study include an examination of the implementation
of investigative and oversight measures, including the feasibility of the creation of a Special
Investigation Task Force within the Attorney General's office with the powers to investigate
allegations of child exploitation or abuse involving public officials, and a comprehensive review
of legislative powers in other states to assess whether similar powers should be adopted in this
state to address corruption, criminal conduct, or concealment of child exploitation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the study include an examination of accountability
measures, including consideration of statutory changes to establish penalties and mandatory
minimum sentences for public officials found to have participated in or concealed child
exploitation, facilitated ongoing abuse, or retaliated against individuals for reporting such
offenses; and additional penalties for such offenses, including removal from office, forfeiture of
retirement benefits, and permanent disqualification from holding public office; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the study include strategies to ensure the safety and
confidentiality of victims, witnesses, and whistleblowers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the study include an assessment of the financial and
administrative impacts of any reforms; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Legislative Management engage with stakeholders,
including child welfare organizations, law enforcement agencies, the Department of Health and
Human Services, the Attorney General's office, victim advocacy groups, legal experts on ethics
and government accountability, individuals with experience investigating child exploitation
cases, and experts in criminal sentencing, public corruption law, and legislative oversight; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Legislative Management report its findings and
recommendations, together with any legislation required to implement the recommendations, to
the Seventieth Legislative Assembly.
Page No. 2 25.3111.03000
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