ND HB1443

Peace officer standards and training board must develop guidelines, courses, and annual training for all licensed officers on identifying and responding to bias crimes, including distinguishing bias crimes from other offenses and assisting victims.

Expands aggravated assault, harassment, and criminal mischief statutes to make it a felony or higher-class misdemeanor when crimes are committed in whole or in part because of a victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or ancestry.

Creates mandatory bias crime data collection and biannual reporting requirements for all law enforcement agencies to the attorney general, with the attorney general submitting annual summaries to the legislature, governor, and FBI.

Defines "bias crime" to include criminal acts committed because of actual or perceived protected characteristics, illegal acts directed at persons or property based on those characteristics, and incidents intended to intimidate or harass individuals or groups based on those characteristics.

Attorney general may compel compliance from law enforcement agencies failing to file reports within 30 days and may require additional information beyond what is specified in the statute.