ND SB2278

Directs legislative management to study laws and procedures governing municipal courts established under North Dakota Century Code chapter 40-18 during the 2023-24 interim.

Study must examine the number and geographic location of municipal courts, access to court ordinances, jurisdiction, judge qualifications and training, case transfers and appeals to district court, and supreme court oversight.

Study must also review applicability of judicial administrative rules to municipal courts, recording requirements for proceedings, and reporting requirements to the supreme court regarding court establishment or abolition, judge and clerk elections or appointments, and annual caseload and financial data on fines and fees.

Legislative management must report findings, recommendations, and any necessary implementing legislation to the sixty-ninth legislative assembly.

Passed unanimously by the Senate (47-0) and House (92-0-2) in 2023.