[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6085751,"mediaKeyId","2902238-f48cd382ff5b2cf5d7e9ccc57627b47f","parentId",2902238,"title","Senate Judiciary backs study on human trafficking victim services and reentry","audioSeconds",1083,"startMs",377000,"endMs",1460000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2902238-f48cd382ff5b2cf5d7e9ccc57627b47f&start=377&end=1460","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2902238-f48cd382ff5b2cf5d7e9ccc57627b47f/thumbnail_377000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6085751/North-Dakota/Senate-Judiciary-backs-study-on-human-trafficking-victim-services-and-reentry","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085751-fcf718744ed2dc5464c51e9d4fae38ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173122&Signature=buXMJJ1B~fptJvwK5Xou5tmjfxWuqVUoPjAokp1irD7Z0VT-~IIVTxZccGySYhp1CINypO9ZtYQNpx0zxnKtH9m-iwZdAw09yQQbVh8I6I2JCAqJB9Q4rT2319z9g43DXhVZXT1N9pHGgU1nbgAaYHMW3jh4NVqL5rpEAO0V-yE9f2uMH4FXai5anQudvTixqbfu~H8hnBKqHP4UtDJpk~BaKJSuW0xwhiK9Byjg0uY8Ulc2rmnMmn06a3mQduwwTwaPc~YnBltLa6Y2Kn1fol0of3KV0pIdlsKAAGB3YFDNZbZ6zwNtAQKdnr-cvhsv-ibUTGTzYKlg1lvt3fXNJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Dakota Legislature","date","2025-04-08T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate Judiciary Committee on a voice vote recommended House Concurrent Resolution 3028 for a due-pass, advancing a legislative study on human trafficking victim services, workforce reentry and protections for survivors.

Representative Steve Vetter, R‑District 18 of Grand Forks, introduced the resolution and told the committee the study has three goals: provide up‑to‑date information to legislators about victim services, examine programs that help survivors reenter the workforce and evaluate ways to protect survivors from returning captors. “The study is to propose a study on the subject of human trafficking,” Vetter said, adding the research should produce “better bill draft ideas to help this issue along.”

Why this matters: Witnesses and providers said legislators lack a clear statewide picture of services and outcomes, and that gaps in reentry support — from basic life skills to housing — can prevent long‑term recovery. Jacob Thompson, a policy analyst with North Dakota Family Alliance Legislative Action, cited clinical literature on trauma and urged a study to inform policy. “Human trafficking crimes are incredibly traumatic to their victims,” Thompson said in testimony summarizing research on mental‑health consequences and the challenges of reintegration.

Committee testimony and evidence: David Tamasia, executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference, told senators the state’s bishops and local service providers have urged stronger, coordinated responses and that the study could address disagreements providers already report, including the appropriate length of stay in residential treatment and inconsistent data collection. Anna Frizzell of YouthWorks described front‑line service statistics and casework: YouthWorks served 147 people ages 12–24 through its anti‑trafficking team in the last biennium, provided roughly 400 hours of clinical services, about 1,800 hours of crisis intervention, and supplied thousands of nights of emergency housing support, she testified. Frizzell and other witnesses offered to provide data and technical assistance to the study.

Discussion vs. decision: Committee members pressed on practical scope. Senator Lewick and others warned the study could be broad and recommended focusing on reentry and actionable program models rather than duplicating existing work. Senator Brownberger said victim needs — basic life and job skills — were often overlooked and supported a focused study. Following discussion, Senator Lewick moved a due‑pass recommendation; the motion was seconded and carried.

What the resolution directs: HCR 3028 asks legislative management to consider an interim study of human trafficking victim services and reentry programs; the resolution does not itself change statute or allocate funds. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly described the measure as study authority to gather information and recommend future legislation if warranted.

Next steps and context: With the committee’s due‑pass recommendation, HCR 3028 moves forward for further consideration by the legislative management process, which would determine study membership, scope and timeline for interim work. Witnesses asked that the study coordinate with existing criminal‑justice, child‑welfare and victim‑service stakeholders to avoid duplication and to collect consistent statewide data.

Votes at the committee: The roll call recorded senators Callexa Castaneda, Luke, Merdahl, Paulson, Brownberger, Corey and Chair Larson voting in favor; the motion carried. The committee did not adopt specific program designs; sponsors and witnesses emphasized the study is intended to produce those options for later legislative action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Judiciary Apr 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Senate Judiciary Committee on a voice vote recommended House Concurrent Resolution 3028 for a due-pass, advancing a legislative study on human trafficking victim services, workforce reentry and protections for survivors.","taxTitle","Judiciary, Senate, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28907,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6085736,"Committee approves study of statutes on criminal conduct against children, AI and terminology changes",1369,7525000,8894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2902238-f48cd382ff5b2cf5d7e9ccc57627b47f&start=7525&end=8894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2902238-f48cd382ff5b2cf5d7e9ccc57627b47f/thumbnail_7525000.jpg","/articles/6085736/North-Dakota/Committee-approves-study-of-statutes-on-criminal-conduct-against-children-AI-and-terminology-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085736-d2d60bd48381c4918045a140189606d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173122&Signature=b-XgfkhXl3lwnd0k30lAzcAyMUdZkMOIypT4UBzEHjXuJCaKXC6KtEQ9RhQHw2Pl7hrWU3hIJlbtZWAtMKxY1MGD~TYt9JSjxwcfllFolGDfN-cbjGTxowy3gFv8I1IH-w8NlPjTaIbpw5fsLSv26cAm0wjGGju2fNPhfS8EoGXLu9HqxRWxgj7xE5It2T1Dl2uI9dih8dVEdcvrqBENFoTefOb6FiVVhzrGHilmRiBSjUrRr6hOEvco6bppLW-SmvMHtei42YcHDZNoZsxSrpX8ZlNt7tKIIWKVrVogbfC-fAwBthtUq403kCVJO005K2PNgio6G1uYhYZhKstEWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to recommend a due‑pass on House Bill 14‑10, which directs legislative management to study state laws on criminal conduct against children, including child sexual assault, child physical abuse and neglect, the interaction of artificial intelligence with exploitation statutes, and the replacement of outdated legal terminology.

Representative Mary Schneider (District 21, Fargo area) sponsored the bill and told the committee it seeks a targeted legislative management study to review outdated statutory references — in particular the term “sexual performance” — and to recommend consistent, modernized language across the criminal code. “House Bill 14‑10 is one of our chances to make a difference in the lives of our North Dakota children at risk of victimization,” Schneider said.

Witnesses including Anna Frizzell of YouthWorks and Greg Kosowski of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota supported the study. Frizzell described the task force’s prior prevention work and asked that the study consider terminology and the evolving threat from artificial intelligence. Kosowski said prior attempts to do a one‑for‑one replacement of the phrase “sexual performance” with “child sexual abuse material” ran into drafting and grammatical complications; he called a study the appropriate next step to produce consistent statutory edits across the code.

Scope and concerns: The study would review criminal statutes referencing “sexual performance,” evaluate insertion of AI‑related offenses and reconcile multiple bills that use inconsistent language. Committee members noted the complexity of replacing language throughout the code and the need to avoid unintended drafting errors; supporters argued a formal interim study would provide time and expertise to harmonize statutory language and propose clean bill text.

Committee action: Senator Merdahl moved a due‑pass recommendation; the motion carried on a recorded vote. Committee members commended the task force’s work and emphasized coordination with prosecutors, child advocates and technical experts during the interim study.

Next steps: If legislative management approves the study, the appointed study group would prepare findings and recommended legislation for the next legislative assembly. The committee’s due‑pass recommendation does not itself change criminal law; it authorizes study and reporting.","House Bill 14‑10 garnered a due‑pass recommendation after lawmakers and child‑welfare experts urged a legislative study to modernize statutes addressing crimes against children, remove offensive terminology and examine artificial intelligence's role in child exploitation.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6085741,"Committee recommends due pass for bill easing record‑sealing process with House changes retained",160,1783000,1943000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2902238-f48cd382ff5b2cf5d7e9ccc57627b47f&start=1783&end=1943","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2902238-f48cd382ff5b2cf5d7e9ccc57627b47f/thumbnail_1783000.jpg","/articles/6085741/North-Dakota/Committee-recommends-due-pass-for-bill-easing-recordsealing-process-with-House-changes-retained","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085741-0ce6273d54255c8ba45a04aa48f8f638/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173122&Signature=WImEy36wB7O7f93cclA-3sugPSD2LEX8wQWPxy4wb59~zjnkI1kW2aMjMmVDwGJde9W-JuH48CS~KhrwedvdxyX2N7ffMQbdFepHNDvLnwKD9JyY5C~PbCGm5QVvYvPToFKMrPfCZIfTIbmxyIWXrNIftDF-yRNnspQpbjNUBvqqkhgt~gbtGlnDLVRMazxMJQrW~TtD1I9EJElMAHV90V1p9g3Bkt9fgILwGdZJYvc-ErFoRoydVXAjyThpoP7pFjG-xg5PNRL8z4EtW03TQx82nc4t~cN4uxuCfAtZtQMlAs1W9FvC9YgMM7Lzwt6HRVkFjBQifjH12SJ1RbQH1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Judiciary Committee recommended House Bill 12‑63 for a due‑pass, keeping the House‑amended version of the bill that removed a presumption clause and shortened an appeal period.

Senator Cory introduced the item and described differences between the House and Senate drafts: the House removed a presumption provision and reduced an appeal period from three years to one year. “They took out the line to allow for an appeal and reduced it from 3 to 1 years,” Cory said during committee discussion. Cory told colleagues the committee could either accept the House changes or attempt to amend and send the bill back to the House; he said he preferred accepting the House version to avoid a conference.

Several senators endorsed accepting the House changes to secure final passage. Senator Merdahl said the bill represented incremental progress after prior work in past sessions. Senator Merdahl moved a due‑pass recommendation; Senator Murdoch seconded the motion. The committee took a roll call and the motion carried.

Votes: The roll call recorded Senator Paulson, Senator Callexa Castaneda, Senator Cory, Senator Luke, Senator Myrtle, Senator Brownberger and Chair Larson voting yes; the motion carried. Senator Corey agreed to carry the bill to the next stage.","Senators recommended a due‑pass for House Bill 12‑63, a measure to seal criminal records. Committee members debated whether to restore language the House removed; sponsors left the House changes in place and the committee approved the bill as received.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6085746,"Senate Judiciary amends mask ban bill, removes requirement that officers first ask protesters to unmask",1547,3913000,5460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2902238-f48cd382ff5b2cf5d7e9ccc57627b47f&start=3913&end=5460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2902238-f48cd382ff5b2cf5d7e9ccc57627b47f/thumbnail_3913000.jpg","/articles/6085746/North-Dakota/Senate-Judiciary-amends-mask-ban-bill-removes-requirement-that-officers-first-ask-protesters-to-unmask","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085746-af851f0a1a668ec133e4352cc71c7c37/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173122&Signature=BMQOeNh8s0gmxd0rC-VBr3j0omTkJEwlRHG8P8V0LQ8tm1bZ5MRQ~f8d1VtCuWABd~~O81Vp3OYvyMtHzEGcHzw9UoqgQvAt~Xln99RzC6jE6iM5bgc25lzG6uO4Y4xHj0OCRiBETZ2nuYRFBC3DAXI8Zi3pJhMK4lUbDeeCRhfhQ3qNmfD4v68BLOvK9E3F7NUKDAWKQHsyVRQrS6RWAtZrKHhu1mxlU43t7Qvnu1ISEwNUNRpsv8gJHA~pe~tIODNx4dXOzZq1X7vLj4o79jXUVIZ1JckTVoA66dDHY5xhI2AvPU6BM-mHBHfN70BG3ZEwau3A4mPr7jD-3lFBHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Judiciary Committee approved House Bill 12‑26 as amended, advancing an update to North Dakota's anti‑mask statute that targets groups who mask their faces to conceal identities while committing or facilitating criminal acts. The committee removed a provision that would have required a law‑enforcement officer to request an individual unmask before a misdemeanor charge could be pursued.

Representative Lawrence Clamine (District 47, Bismarck) introduced the bill, saying it updates section 12.13115 of the criminal code to cover groups of individuals who wear masks to conceal identity while committing crimes and to preserve an exception for Halloween and similar celebrations. “House Bill 12‑26 amends our current law to cover the situation where groups of individuals acting together are wearing masks to conceal their identities despite a request by law enforcement to unmask,” Clamine told the committee.

Hannah Myers, called by the sponsor as an expert witness, argued the law strengthens public safety by reducing anonymity during coordinated criminal acts and said many states have constitutionally upheld anti‑mask rules when they are closely tailored to criminal conduct. “Anti‑masking laws are essential to preserving the First Amendment right to assemble…and preventing intimidation and harassment,” Myers said, describing examples where masked groups impeded arrests and vandalized property in other jurisdictions.

Committee concerns and amendment: Senators raised practical concerns about cold‑weather face coverings, occupational protective gear and the limits of officer discretion. Several members said requiring an officer to ask each masked person to unmask before enforcement could limit the law’s effectiveness during large, mobile demonstrations. Senator Merdahl moved an amendment deleting the sentence “despite a law enforcement request to unmask”; the committee adopted the amendment.

Votes and next steps: After amendment, the committee voted to give HB 12‑26 a due‑pass recommendation as amended. The committee discussion acknowledged open questions about balancing constitutional rights, cold‑weather coverings and officer discretion; supporters argued the statute is narrowly targeted to concealment with criminal intent and includes exemptions for celebrations such as Halloween.

What the bill does (as amended): HB 12‑26 strengthens the existing mask prohibition by focusing on coordinated efforts to conceal identities while committing or facilitating criminal acts, retaining categorical exemptions for Halloween and similar public celebrations. The amendment removes the clause that would have made a misdemeanor contingent on a specific officer request to unmask.

Dissenting views: Senator Brownberger expressed constitutional and civil‑liberties concerns and said he would resist the bill on those grounds. Other senators said intent and context — such as winter clothing — would inform enforcement and judicial review.

Outcome note: The committee recorded an amended do‑pass recommendation and designated a senator to carry the bill to the next stage. The amendment and committee action narrow a contested enforcement detail but do not change the statute until the legislature acts.","The Senate Judiciary Committee approved House Bill 12‑26 with an amendment removing a provision that would have made a class A misdemeanor contingent on an officer first requesting an individual unmask. Representative Lawrence Clamine and expert witness Hannah Myers testified for the bill, which updates North Dakota's anti‑mask statute to address","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate Judiciary backs study on human trafficking victim services and reentry

Committee approves study of statutes on criminal conduct against children, AI and terminology changes

Committee recommends due pass for bill easing record‑sealing process with House changes retained

Senate Judiciary amends mask ban bill, removes requirement that officers first ask protesters to unmask