The North Dakota House unanimously approved a bill on Wednesday aimed at improving victim and treatment services related to juvenile sexual assault.
The House approved House Bill 1520, introduced by Rep. Ben Koppelman, R-West Fargo, in a 92-0 vote. The legislation is dubbed "Natalee's Bill" for a 4-year-old girl whose parents sought reform after their experience in the juvenile justice system following her sexual assault.
Koppelman's bill would allow parents of victims of juvenile sexual assault to see certain court records of the offender. Juvenile court records are confidential by law.
The bill, amended by the House Judiciary Committee, also would mandate abused child services and assessments for treatment of juveniles who have committed sexual offenses.
Testimony was emotional in the bill's hearing last week, as families who have experienced juvenile sexual assault described their children's assaults and the legal process, by which they felt failed.
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Rep. Jeff Magrum, R-Hazelton, carried the bill on the House floor, where he called for its support on its 13-0 do-pass recommendation from committee.
"This bill takes a small step in helping sexual assault victims receive justice and will help prevent future victims of sexual assault," Magrum said.
The bill now goes to the Senate.