The North Dakota House Judiciary Committee convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss several legislative matters, including Senate Bill 2289, which addresses the disclosure of domestic violence protection orders to law enforcement. Senator Kristen Rohrs, representing District 27, introduced the bill, highlighting its origin from a request by local sheriffs who encountered challenges in accessing timely information regarding protection orders during emergency situations.

Senator Rohrs explained a scenario where a victim of domestic violence calls 911, and law enforcement arrives only to find that the perpetrator is still present. The victim claims to have obtained a protection order, but law enforcement cannot verify this information in their system, leading to potential safety risks. The proposed legislation aims to grant law enforcement access to the court system, specifically the Odyssey system, to confirm the existence of protection orders in real-time, even outside of regular court hours.

During the discussion, committee members raised practical questions regarding the process of obtaining a physical copy of a protection order and the reliability of such documents. Senator Rohrs acknowledged the need for an automated system that would allow officers to access necessary information without having to contact court personnel directly, especially during late-night incidents.

The committee also considered written testimony from the North Dakota Domestic and Sexual Violence Coalition, which suggested amendments to include restraining orders related to sexual assault, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive access to protective measures for victims.

As the discussion progressed, concerns were raised about the logistics of accessing court records and the potential implications of granting law enforcement access to sensitive information. The committee decided to pause further deliberation on Senate Bill 2289 until Senator Rohrs could gather additional insights from the court system regarding the feasibility of the proposed changes.

The meeting concluded with the committee recessing until 11:00 AM, at which point they would reconvene to address Senate Bill 2127. The discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance the safety of domestic violence victims through legislative measures while navigating the complexities of legal access and confidentiality.