Committee hears competing views on bill to seal dismissed or acquitted records; court staff warn retroactive sealing would be administratively heavy

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony on House Bill 11‑66, which would create a process to seal criminal records when charges are dismissed, a defendant is acquitted, or a governor’s pardon is granted. Supporters said sealing the records prevents undue stigma, helps with employment and licensing, and restores the practical effect formerly produced by court administrative practice. Court staff and other officials testified that retroactive sealing and an immediate effective date would create large administrative and IT burdens and recommended more narrowly tailored language or phased implementation.

Sponsor Representative Brandy Pyle said changes in North Dakota Administrative Rule 41 left some dismissed or not‑guilty records accessible through name searches on the court website, including older cases. “Some of these records…