North Dakota HB1609: A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 27-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to admission to the bar examination through an apprenticeship program developed, established, and implemented by the supreme court.

What the bill says

A bill for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 27-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to admission to the bar examination through an apprenticeship program developed, established, and implemented by the supreme court.

From the engrossed text, February 25, 2025:

A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 27-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to admission to the bar examination through an apprenticeship program developed, established, and implemented by the supreme court. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NORTH DAKOTA: SECTION 1. A new section to chapter 27-11 of the North Dakota Century Code is created and enacted as follows: State bar apprenticeship p rogram . 1. The supreme court, in cooperation with the state board of law examiners, shall establish and implement an apprenticeship program to approve applicants to sit for the bar examination as an alternative to receiving a juris doctor or equivalent degree from a law school approved, or provisionally approved, for accreditation by the American bar association. 2. The apprenticeship program must provide the following: a. An applicant for admission to the state bar is qualified to be examined by the state bar board if an and (2) Has completed two thousand hours of engagement under the supervision of a licensed attorney or a licensed tribal advocate, over a period not to exceed five years. b. A supervising attorney or supervising licensed tribal advocate must verify the engagement of an applicant by submitting an affidavit to the state bar board. Page No. 1 25.0917.03000 Sixty-ninth Legislative …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Lori VanWinkle (R, 3) · primary sponsor
• Jose Castaneda (R, 40)
• Matthew Heilman (R, 7)
• Jared Hendrix (R, 10)
• Daniel Johnston (R, 24)
• Ben Koppelman (R, 16)
• Desiree Morton (R, 46)
• Bob Paulson (R, 3)
• Dan Ruby (R, 38)
• Nathan Toman (R, 34)
• Michael Wobbema (R, 24)

Latest actions

1. February 25, 2025: Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 20 nays 70
2. February 25, 2025: Amendment adopted, placed on calendar
3. February 24, 2025: Reported back amended, do not pass, amendment placed on calendar 9 4 1
4. February 12, 2025: Committee Hearing 10:30
5. January 20, 2025: Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee

Votes

• Final Passage (February 25, 2025): 20 yea, 70 nay, failed

Common questions

What is HB1609?

HB1609 is a bill in the North Dakota Legislature (69th Legislative Assembly): A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 27-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to admission to the bar examination through an apprenticeship program developed, established, and implemented by the supreme court.

What does HB1609 do?

In its own words: A bill for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 27-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to admission to the bar examination through an apprenticeship program developed, established, and implemented by the supreme court.

What is the status of HB1609?

Failed as of February 25, 2025. Latest action: Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 20 nays 70 (February 25, 2025).

Who sponsored HB1609?

Lori VanWinkle (R, 3), with 10 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1609?

On the North Dakota Legislature website: https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1609.html