The North Dakota State Legislature convened for the 69th Legislative Assembly's Senate Floor Session on April 11, 2025, where significant legislative actions took place, including the passage of House Bill 1542 and discussions surrounding House Bill 1613, which addresses the use of robots in law enforcement.

The session began with a swift vote on House Bill 1542, which passed overwhelmingly with 46 votes in favor, no opposition, and one senator absent. This bill's approval indicates strong bipartisan support for its provisions, although specific details of the bill were not discussed during this session.

Following this, Senator Castaneda introduced House Bill 1613, which focuses on the integration of advanced technologies, such as robots and artificial intelligence, into law enforcement practices. The senator emphasized the importance of balancing technological advancements with the protection of individual rights. He outlined key definitions included in the bill, such as "autonomous" and "remote," which clarify how robots may operate under human control or independently.

A critical aspect of the bill is the stipulation that while robots can be used in law enforcement, any deployment of lethal force must be controlled by a human operator. This measure aims to prevent unintended consequences from autonomous decision-making in high-stakes situations. The bill also mandates that law enforcement agencies develop specific policies governing the use of force by robots, ensuring consistency and accountability across departments.

Senator Castaneda highlighted that the legislation includes provisions to differentiate between various types of surveillance technologies, explicitly excluding body-worn cameras and other non-autonomous devices from the definition of robots. This distinction is crucial to ensure that existing surveillance practices remain unaffected by the new regulations.

The session concluded with a focus on the implications of these legislative measures for the future of law enforcement in North Dakota, particularly as technology continues to evolve. The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need to adapt legal frameworks to accommodate advancements in technology while safeguarding civil liberties.