The House Judiciary Committee convened on January 13, 2025, to discuss two significant pieces of legislation, House Bill 1101 and House Bill 1102. The meeting began with a review of testimonies related to House Bill 1101, which focused on a matter that concluded after 30 minutes of discussion. The committee chair acknowledged the numerous testimonies submitted online, indicating a strong public interest in the bill.

Following this, the committee shifted its focus to House Bill 1102, which proposes an appropriation to the Attorney General for the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to enhance cybercrime resources. Representative Murphy introduced the bill, explaining that it aims to fund two specially trained agents to be embedded within the Grand Forks Police Department. This initiative stems from discussions with retired Chief Nelson, highlighting the need for specialized expertise in investigating cybercrimes, particularly those involving child exploitation.

Murphy emphasized that while the Grand Forks Police Department is competent, it lacks the specialized training and infrastructure that BCI offers. The bill has garnered strong support from the mayor's office and local legislative representatives, with plans for the city to share some of the costs associated with the agents' salaries and operational needs.

The proposed budget for the two agents is approximately $775,000, with additional costs anticipated for equipment and training. Representative McLeod raised concerns about the sustainability of funding for the agents' salaries beyond the initial appropriation. Murphy assured the committee that ongoing costs would be incorporated into the regular BCI budget.

City Administrator Todd Phelan and Interim Police Chief Love also expressed their support for the bill, highlighting the importance of integrating these agents into the police department to enhance their capabilities in addressing cyber-related crimes. Chief Love noted the increasing prevalence of technology in crime and the necessity of having specialized agents to keep pace with evolving challenges.

The committee concluded the discussion without further questions, indicating a positive reception for the proposed legislation. The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between state and local authorities to bolster law enforcement's capacity to combat cybercrime in North Dakota.