Bill > SB2321

This bill amends North Dakota's eminent domain laws to provide more comprehensive protections for property owners when their land is being condemned. The amendments clarify and expand the circumstances under which defendants can recover costs and fees in eminent domain proceedings. Specifically, the bill allows property owners to be reimbursed for reasonable attorney's fees and expert witness costs if a public entity (such as a state agency, municipality, or public utility) withdraws or dismisses condemnation proceedings without the defendant's agreement. The bill also provides that courts may award costs, including interest and attorney's fees, to defendants in condemnation cases. Additionally, the language updates terminology and streamlines the legal text, replacing outdated phrases like "such" with more modern language. The key goal appears to be ensuring that property owners are not financially burdened when facing potential land seizure, by making it easier for them to recover legal expenses if the condemning entity does not follow through with the proceedings.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2321.html