North Dakota Enhances Reentry Services with New Legislation
BISMARCK — On April 29, Governor Kelly Armstrong signed three significant bills aimed at improving reentry services for individuals exiting the criminal justice system in North Dakota. "We can’t build our way out of the prison overcrowding problem; we need to be smart on crime," stated Armstrong, emphasizing a pragmatic approach focusing on accountability, recovery, and reentry.
House Bill 1425 establishes a "deflection" process, enabling local mental health and substance use services to provide community-based crisis assistance instead of incarceration. Pam Sagness, the executive director for behavioral health, highlighted this innovation as a critical step toward reducing jail entry.
House Bill 1417 addresses indigent defense fees and limits supervision fees during probation, promoting fairness in court costs through a study to be conducted in the 2025-27 biennium.
House Bill 1549 creates grant opportunities for counseling and education programs in jails lacking such services, ensuring that released individuals can obtain essential items and access health care and housing. Colby Braun of the Department of Corrections expressed enthusiasm for collaboration between state departments and local communities, stating, "It’s about allowing locals to innovate and connect services that benefit their communities."
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