Panel advances bill extending forensic exam window and adding domestic violence coverage

Senate Judiciary Committee members voted to advance Senate Bill 2209, a measure that would codify a pilot program expanding forensic medical exams to victims of domestic violence and extend the allowable exam window from 96 hours to 120 hours.

Senator Sean Cleary, who introduced the bill, told the panel the measure “mirrors what we did last legislative session with the pilot program” and would preserve services launched under last year’s pilot. The committee approved an amendment adding an estimated $200,000 appropriation for the biennium to pay for the expanded domestic-violence exams and then gave the bill a due-pass recommendation as amended. Senator Merdahl will carry the bill forward.

The bill responds to work started under Senate Bill 22002, a 2023 pilot that allowed forensic medical exams previously limited to sexual-assault victims to be provided to domestic-violence, child-abuse and neglect victims. Christie Wolf, communications coordinator for Central Dakota Forensic Nurse Examiners, said the organization serves 23 counties from its Bismarck headquarters and that its 23 forensic nurses worked with multidisciplinary teams to provide trauma‑informed care while meeting legal standards for evidence collection. “This dual role allows them not only to offer compassionate medical care, but also to serve as expert witnesses in court when needed,” Wolf said.

Johnica Norick, Bismarck region site manager and lead forensic nurse for Central Dakota Forensic Nurse Examiners, described the scope of the exams and training. “These exams are intricate, sometimes lasting 6 to 8 hours as we aim to provide trauma‑informed care that makes victims feel safe, seen, and supported,” she said. Under the pilot program, the organization provided care to 62 victims over a 10‑month period in the pilot regions, Norick told the committee.

Greg Kosowski, executive director of Children’s Advocacy Centers in North Dakota, told the committee the bill would improve consistency and access to exams for child‑physical‑abuse cases. He also noted that the North Dakota Century Code contains a statutory definition for “neglect” (cited in testimony as North Dakota Century Code 50‑25.1‑2).

Senator Bridal asked whether the statute or legislative counsel had defined “neglect.” Senator Cleary and witnesses said the term is defined elsewhere in law and that staff would provide the committee with the precise citation and language if requested. Cleary also said there is an existing $660,000 ongoing appropriation in the attorney general’s budget for forensic services; expanding the program to cover domestic‑violence exams was estimated to cost about $200,000 for the biennium, which the committee added to the bill as an amendment (Senate amendment 25.0929.02).

There was no testimony in opposition. After the amendment passed on roll call, the committee voted to advance the bill as amended to appropriations.

The measure clarifies reimbursement eligibility for forensic medical exams, expands the time window to 120 hours to align with national best practices, and makes permanent the pilot’s coverage of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. Supporters told the committee the change would close service gaps in rural regions and preserve access to both medical care and evidence collection that can be used in criminal proceedings.

The committee record shows the amendment passed on a recorded roll call and the bill received a due‑pass recommendation as amended. Senator Merdahl was designated the bill carrier when the committee referred it to the Appropriations Committee.