North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2054

Introduced
1/7/25  
Refer
1/7/25  
Report Pass
1/10/25  
Engrossed
1/13/25  
Refer
2/13/25  

Caption

The master jury list; and to provide a contingent effective date.

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws involves changes to how jury lists are created, potentially increasing the involvement of various demographic groups, including those receiving public assistance and individuals from federally recognized tribes. By formalizing the inclusion of tribal registries in the master list, the bill recognizes the importance of Indigenous populations in the judicial system. It also aims to allow greater access to jury lists for inspection, promoting accountability within the jury selection process.

Summary

Senate Bill 2054 aims to amend the North Dakota Century Code by revising the regulations concerning the master jury list. The bill proposes that each county clerk shall compile and maintain a master list that includes actual voters, public assistance recipients, and other residents, including names from tribal registries if provided. This amendment is intended to enhance the transparency of jury selection by ensuring that the master list is comprehensive and accessible to the public, thereby supporting the integrity of the legal process.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB2054 appears to be supportive among those who advocate for increased transparency and inclusivity within the judicial system. Proponents argue that a broader master jury list will help safeguard the fairness of jury trials and increase participation from underrepresented communities. However, some concerns may arise from individuals worried about privacy related to public assistance disclosures or potential bureaucratic complications arising from managing an expanded master list.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions around SB2054 center on the inclusion of publicly available lists and the complexities involved in compiling such data. There may be debates regarding the adequacy of privacy protections for individuals receiving public assistance. Additionally, there could be apprehensions about how effectively county clerks will be able to manage the inclusion of diverse data sources without infringing on residents' rights or causing administrative burdens.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND HB1548

The public employees retirement system retirement plans; to provide an exemption; to provide a contingent effective date; 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 HB1202

Definitions relating to medical marijuana products; and to provide a contingent effective date.

ND SB2252

Judicial referees; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1339

A contingent expiration date for concealed weapon provisions; and to provide a penalty.

ND HB1191

Auctioneers' and clerks' licenses; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1118

The marriage penalty credit; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1536

Indian child welfare; and to provide for a legislative management study.

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 SB2080

A licensed child-placing agency investigation and adoptive child placement; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.