HB 1221 Summary

• Creates chapter 29-29.5 of the North Dakota Century Code establishing comprehensive regulations for law enforcement use of confidential informants, including definitions, restrictions, training requirements, and written agreement procedures.

• Prohibits use of juveniles age 15 or younger as confidential informants; juveniles 16-17 may be used only if married, emancipated, on active military duty, or facing criminal charges, with parental consent and legal counsel consultation.

• Requires all law enforcement agencies to complete attorney general-approved confidential informant training at least every three years after July 1, 2018, with documented training dates and personnel involved.

• Mandates written informant agreements including the informant's rights to silence and legal counsel, statement of promised benefits, inherent risks, and restrictions on sexual relations with investigation targets.

• Amends section 12-63-04 to authorize the peace officer standards and training board to adopt rules on confidential informant conduct, receive complaints about violations, conduct annual audits of training effectiveness, and impose penalties up to license denial, suspension, or revocation.