Bill > SB2115

This bill makes two key changes to North Dakota law concerning the Heart River correctional center and state liability. First, it adds a provision allowing female inmates to have their children reside with them at the Heart River correctional center, with the institution empowered to establish policies and procedures for such arrangements. Second, the bill modifies the state's liability limitations to specifically exclude claims related to children residing at the Heart River correctional center, unless the injury is directly caused by the negligent act of a state employee. This means that the state would generally not be legally responsible for injuries to children living at the facility with their incarcerated mothers, with an exception for cases of clear state employee negligence. The bill appears designed to support family connections while also protecting the state from potential liability in most circumstances involving children at the correctional center. The changes will apply to the state's existing legal framework for governmental liability, which already includes numerous specific limitations on when and how the state can be sued.

Justice

Judiciary (Senate)

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2115.html