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SB 2194

A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new subsection to section 12-60-24 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to criminal history record checks; to provide an appropriation; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Dick Dever and 4 co-sponsors

Requires BCI to accept digital fingerprints for statewide checks and return results within four business days, with a $5,000,000 appropriation for implementation.

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 6 nays 41
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2194

Summary — SB 2194 (North Dakota)

Status: Introduced (Sixty‑ninth Legislative Assembly)
Subject: New subsection to NDCC §12‑60‑24 — criminal history record checks; appropriation; application; effective date

Main purpose

SB 2194 requires the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to accept digital fingerprints for statewide criminal history record checks and to speed processing by delivering results within a short statutory timeframe. The bill also provides a one‑time appropriation to fund equipment and other implementation costs.

Key provisions

  • Creates a new subsection to section 12‑60‑24 of the North Dakota Century Code that:
    • Requires the BCI to accept digital fingerprints when conducting a statewide criminal history record check.
    • Requires BCI to provide the results of a statewide criminal history record check to the requesting agency, official, or entity within four business days from the day BCI receives authorization from the requester.
  • Appropriation:
    • $5,000,000 (one appropriation) from the general fund to the Attorney General.
    • Purpose: purchase equipment and cover other costs associated with implementing digital fingerprinting and timely criminal history checks under Section 1.
    • Funding period: biennium beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2027.
  • Application clause:
    • Section 1 (digital fingerprints / four‑day requirement) applies to requests received after the bill’s effective date.
  • Effective date:
    • Section 1 becomes effective February 1, 2026.

Who is affected

  • Bureau of Criminal Investigation / Office of the Attorney General — operational and equipment upgrades, process changes, and receipt of appropriation funds.
  • Requesting agencies, officials, or entities that order statewide criminal history checks (e.g., state licensing boards, employers, schools, background‑check vendors) — they may receive faster statewide results and must provide authorization for checks.
  • Individuals undergoing checks — potential for faster turnaround on licensing, hiring, or other background‑check–dependent processes.

Expected impacts and implementation notes

  • Modernization: Codifies acceptance of digital fingerprint submissions (reduces reliance on ink cards and manual transmission).
  • Faster turnaround: Mandated 4‑business‑day result window should shorten processing time for statewide checks, subject to operational capacity.
  • Costs: $5 million appropriation intended to cover technology (digital fingerprint capture, transmission systems), staffing, training, and related costs; ongoing operational costs beyond the biennium are not specified.
  • Scope: The statutory change addresses statewide criminal history checks; the bill does not explicitly address federal/FBI fingerprint checks or the separate processes and timelines associated with national background checks.
  • Practical considerations: Successful implementation will depend on procurement, vendor integrations, staff training, and clear request/authorization workflows between requesters and BCI.

If you want, I can draft a concise one‑page handout for stakeholders (BCI, licensing boards, employers) summarizing operational steps they will need to take once the law takes effect.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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