Committee advances bill allowing limited reinstatement of parental rights after termination

Bismarck — The House Judiciary Committee voted to give House Bill 1034 a do‑pass recommendation, moving forward a bill that would allow parents in some cases to petition for restoration of parental rights after termination.

Committee members discussed the bill’s scope and safeguards during a lengthy exchange that focused on the bill’s eligibility rules and the waiting period before a parent may petition. Members noted this provision differs from current North Dakota law, which generally does not provide for reestablishment of parental rights once they have been terminated except in the distinct context of adoption.

Witnesses and committee members referenced work by an interim committee that considered the concept and that similar statutes exist in other states. Committee members pressed on whether the bill would cover voluntary rights relinquishments as well as involuntary terminations and asked how the proposed trial home placement would be supervised. Committee debate repeatedly returned to the 12‑month waiting period that appears in the draft. Some members said the committee considered longer waiting periods (up to five years was discussed in testimony) and noted the need to balance children’s stability with opportunities for parental rehabilitation.

Representative Vetter moved and the committee approved a do‑pass recommendation. The roll call vote on the motion for a do‑pass was 13 to 0 with one member absent. Representative Vetter agreed to carry the bill to the floor.