JUDICIAL BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER 244
SENATE BILL NO. 2233
(Senators Bekkedahl, Hogue, Larson)
(Representatives Ista, Klemin, Roers Jones)
AN ACT to create and enact chapter 27-02.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to attorney recruitment in rural counties and municipalities; to provide for a report to the legislative management; and to provide a continuing appropriation.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NORTH DAKOTA:
SECTION 1. Chapter 27-02.2 of the North Dakota Century Code is created and enacted as follows:
27-02.2-01. Attorney recruitment program - Participation - Assessment.
1. The supreme court may establish a program to assist rural counties and municipalities in recruiting attorneys.
2. A county or municipality interested in participating in the program shall apply to the supreme court. After determining eligibility, the supreme court shall conduct an assessment of the applicant to evaluate the applicant's need for an attorney and the ability of the applicant to sustain and support an attorney.
3. In making the selection of an eligible applicant, the supreme court shall consider the assessment and:
a. The demographic of the county or municipality;
b. The age and number of the members of the county or local bar association;
c. The recommendation of the presiding district court judge;
d. The economic development programs within the county or municipality;
e. The geographical location of the county or municipality in comparison to other counties or municipalities participating in the program; and
f. Any prior participation in the program by the county or municipality.
4. The supreme court shall maintain a list of counties and municipalities that have been assessed and are selected for participation in the recruitment assistance program.
5. The supreme court may revise the assessment of any county or municipality or conduct a new assessment as necessary to reflect a change in conditions.
