Concerns over North Dakota's prison overcrowding and fiscal challenges dominated the House Judiciary meeting on March 31, 2025. Lawmakers grappled with proposed amendments to a bill aimed at addressing the state's correctional system, which is currently strained by a lack of space and resources.

Chair Clamine highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the state prison is at capacity, primarily housing violent offenders, while many non-violent inmates remain in overcrowded county jails. "We don't have room in the prison for these people to stay longer," Clamine stated, emphasizing the pressing need for a realistic solution as the Appropriations Committee prepares to review the fiscal implications of the proposed legislation.

One significant amendment discussed involves the use of ankle bracelets for individuals who abscond from transitional centers, a measure suggested by the conservative group CPAC. This proposal includes a hefty $600,000 appropriation for tracking devices, raising questions about the financial viability of such measures amid the state's budget constraints.

The committee faces a deadline to finalize the bill, which carries an estimated fiscal note of $22.5 million per biennium, totaling around $45 million over the next two years. Clamine expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the current plan, stating, "We've gotta balance all of these things," as lawmakers consider the implications of potentially sending inmates out of state, similar to actions taken by Montana.

In addition to the immediate concerns regarding prison capacity, Clamine called for a comprehensive study of the parole process, highlighting the critical role of the six-member parole board in managing inmate releases. "It's not the Department of Corrections that's letting people out," he noted, indicating a need for deeper analysis of the system's effectiveness.

As the committee prepares to reconvene after the floor session, the focus remains on crafting a solution that addresses both the overcrowding crisis and the financial realities facing North Dakota's correctional facilities. The outcome of these discussions could have lasting implications for the state's approach to criminal justice and inmate management.