ND SB2038

Amends North Dakota Century Code section 25-03.3-09 to establish procedures for appointed counsel compensation in sexually dangerous individual commitment cases, shifting from county payment to a presumed amount system determined by the commission on legal counsel for indigents.

Requires courts to order respondents to reimburse indigent defense costs unless the court finds no likelihood the respondent can pay, with provisions for hearing requests within 30 days to determine actual costs.

Allows respondents to petition courts to waive reimbursement if it would impose undue hardship on them or their immediate family, and permits modification of payment methods.

Authorizes the attorney general to seek civil recovery of unpaid indigent defense costs within six years and to contract with private collection agencies, with required notice to the individual before referral.

Appropriates $814,293 from the general fund to the commission on legal counsel for indigents for the 2011-2013 biennium and authorizes one full-time equivalent position, effective January 1, 2012.