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HB 1549

establishing that titles, bills of sale, and identification documents are required only at initial registration or transfer of ownership.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Granger

HB 1549 creates a grant program to expand evidence-based re-entry services in correctional facilities and improves post-release support, housing options, and data coordination.

Signed by Governor Ayotte 06/12/2026; Chapter 134; eff. 08/11/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 1549

Summary — HB 1549 (North Dakota, 69th Legislative Assembly)

Status: Enrolled/Filed with Secretary of State (04/16/2025)
Primary sponsors: Reps. Klemin, Hanson, Stemen; Sens. Larson, Davison

Purpose / Intent

HB 1549 creates a grant program to expand evidence‑based re‑entry programming in local correctional facilities, improves post‑release supports and identification processes for people leaving state custody, directs work on criminal justice data sharing, and establishes a housing task force to address housing barriers for people on supervision. The bill also directs a legislative interim study on criminal record sealing and states legislative intent regarding federal grant applications.

Key provisions

  • Correctional facility grant program (new section to chapter 12‑44.1)

    • Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOC) must form a Correctional Facility Grant Committee composed of: 2 appointees of the DOC director, 2 appointees of the ND Association of Counties, the Commissioner of Recovery and Re‑entry, and the Behavioral Health Division director (DHHS). The DOC director selects the chair.
    • The committee will set application/evaluation criteria, policies for awarding and administering grants, and annually report to DOC.
    • Grants will expand access to evidence‑based programming in county, regional, and tribal facilities and prioritize facilities without existing re‑entry, education, counseling, or similar programs; culturally responsive programs are eligible.

  • Changes to offender discharge (amendment to NDCC 12‑47‑31)

    • DOC, with DOT, must facilitate processes for offenders to apply for photo identification (driver’s licenses and nondriver IDs) prior to release.
    • DOC must provide appropriate clothing and transportation per release plan.
    • DOC, in cooperation with DHHS, must connect eligible offenders to Medicaid and other health/social services before release.

  • Housing task force (new section to chapter 54‑23.3)

    • DOC must convene a housing task force (including parole/probation, Housing Finance Agency, DHHS, community providers).
    • The task force will report annually to Legislative Management on options including a housing assistance program for people released or on supervision, feasibility of programs for sexual offenders (including master leasing), outreach/coordination, and capacity of sober/low‑barrier housing.

  • Criminal justice data (new section to chapter 54‑23.3)

    • DOC, with DHHS, judicial district representatives, adult services, and local jails, shall examine data collection, retention, and dissemination practices.
    • DOC must report to Legislative Management on tracking uniform data points, standardizing/automating collection and retention, improving data connectivity among partners and propose a data‑sharing portal (e.g., to alert DHHS of Medicaid status changes).

  • Legislative actions and study

    • Legislative intent: DOC should seek DOJ grants for a temporary justice reinvestment coordinator and to support re‑entry program funding.
    • Legislative Management is directed to study expanding access to criminal record sealing (automation, eligibility expansion, and possible expungement mechanisms) during the 2025–26 interim and report findings and draft legislation to the 70th Assembly.

Who is affected

  • County, regional, and tribal correctional facilities (grant recipients and program participants)
  • Offenders being released from DOC custody (ID access, clothing, transportation, health coverage connections)
  • Parolees, probationers, and other released individuals (housing assistance considerations)
  • State agencies (DOC, DHHS, Housing Finance Agency, courts, local jails) required to coordinate and report
  • Legislative Management (study and reporting duties)

Timing / Reporting

  • Annual reports: Correctional Facility Grant Committee and task force reporting to Legislative Management/DOC as specified.
  • Interim study on record sealing to occur in 2025–26 with a report and recommended legislation to the next legislative assembly.
  • The bill includes a statement encouraging DOC to pursue federal grant funding to support implementation.

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

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