ND SB2281

Amends section 12.1-05-05 of the North Dakota Century Code to define circumstances where reasonable force may be used by parents, guardians, and caregivers on minors for safeguarding welfare, prevention and punishment of misconduct, and discipline maintenance.

Requires paid caregivers using reasonable force for discipline or misconduct prevention to act under written direction of the parent or guardian.

Specifies that reasonable force used on minors may not create a substantial risk of death, serious bodily injury, disfigurement, or gross degradation.

Permits reasonable force on individuals who are incompetent for safeguarding welfare and maintaining discipline in institutions, subject to the same restrictions on creating substantial risk of serious harm.

Passed with Senate vote of 37-10 and House vote of 74-14.