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House approves funding for counseling to jurors exposed to graphic evidence
Summary
The North Dakota House passed House Bill 1047 to provide limited state-funded counseling for jurors exposed to extraordinarily graphic or traumatic evidence. The bill passed after floor debate about fiscal estimates, the scope of judicially‑sponsored legislation and whether 180 days is a sufficient window for counseling.
The North Dakota House of Representatives approved House Bill 1047, a measure to provide state-funded counseling for jurors who experience severe emotional trauma from exposure to graphic or gruesome evidence during trials. The bill passed on the floor by a recorded vote of 80 ayes and 11 nays.
Supporters said the bill recognizes that jurors are compelled by the state to serve and sometimes face testimony or evidence that can cause lasting psychological harm. Representative Jeff Hoverson, who presented the bill, said it was modeled on a program in Alaska and defended the fiscal estimate: "If the government compels somebody and that person gets injured, I look at it very similar to if we…
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