North Dakota Senate passes three key bills on corrections and firearm qualifications

The North Dakota State Legislature convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss several key bills, including House Bill 1344, which addresses the use of local jails for inmates sentenced to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The bill passed unanimously with a vote of 46-0, indicating strong bipartisan support. It establishes guidelines for inmate placements when the Department exceeds capacity, ensuring that agreements with local facilities include minimum daily inmate requirements.

Another significant bill, House Bill 1518, aimed to repeal the requirement for using turn signals on rotary traffic islands. However, this bill was ultimately rejected, with a final tally of 3-90, reflecting a lack of support among senators.

House Bill 1415, which seeks to protect the work schedules of Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation employees by designating them as exempt records, also passed with unanimous support. Senator Boehm emphasized the importance of this measure for the safety of employees, citing a recent incident where an employee's schedule was shared with a former inmate, potentially compromising their safety.

Lastly, House Bill 1589 was introduced to modify certification processes for retired law enforcement officers regarding concealed carry permits. This bill allows retired officers to be certified by a concealed weapons administrator rather than their local law enforcement agency, streamlining the renewal process for their certifications.

Overall, the session highlighted the legislature's focus on public safety and the operational needs of correctional facilities, while also addressing the complexities of law enforcement regulations.