Bill > HB1399

This bill amends North Dakota's law regarding witness compensation by updating several key provisions. Witnesses in civil or criminal cases will continue to receive $25 per day for their attendance at district court or other tribunals, and they will be reimbursed for mileage and travel expenses at the same rates provided to state employees. The bill increases the maximum reimbursement for prosecution witness fees and expenses from $25,000 to $30,000 per county per biennium, with the attorney general responsible for these payments in criminal cases. The commission on legal counsel for indigents will pay witness fees and expenses in cases where they have provided counsel. Prisoners remain ineligible for witness compensation. An important new provision allows counties that exceed the $30,000 reimbursement limit to enter into agreements with other counties to transfer unused reimbursement funds, subject to the attorney general's approval. These changes aim to provide fair compensation for witnesses while managing state and county expenses.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1399.html