Source: jamestownsun.com 1/23/25
The House voted 62-29 in favor of a bill that would allow registered sex offenders to ask the courts to remove them from the state registry earlier than what’s currently provided in law.
BISMARCK — The North Dakota House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday, Jan. 23, that would allow low-risk sex offenders to ask the court to strike them from the state registry early.
Introduced by Rep. Jason Dockter, R-Bismarck, House Bill 1231 would create a process in which sex offenders could apply for a petition that would let the courts decide whether to remove them from the state registry after being on it for seven years.
The courts would review the petition, consider any statements provided by the offender’s victim(s) and determine whether the petitioner still poses a risk to the public — all proceedings that would be closed to the public.
The minimum amount of time offenders spend on the registry is 15 years.
If passed by the Senate and signed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong, the law would apply to low-risk sex offenders who maintain a clean record since after conviction.
Congrats to our brethren in N.D. Start filing! 7 yrs? Come on California, let’s beat them. lower ours to 5!
Hopefully they don’t need a case to make their system right, e.g., Thai in CA where the DA has to prove their objection is worthy based upon evidence and not just because they’re expected to. Be nice to see some ND defense attys reaching out to @ACSOL for guidance on how to make successful petitions and get their system in line.