North Dakota
North Dakota House narrowly passes bill allowing babies to live with their mothers in prison
BISMARCK — North Dakota lawmakers barely passed a bill Wednesday, March 26, seeking to allow a women’s prison to create a nursery program where babies can live with their incarcerated mothers.
After a debate that lasted nearly an hour, Senate Bill 2352 passed the House with a 48-42 vote.
The legislation is likely to be reconsidered since 48 votes are required for a bill to pass and four members were absent or not voting Wednesday.
SB 2352 would authorize the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to allow children 18 months or younger to live with their mothers at the Heart River Correctional Center in Mandan.
The facility is currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2027, when the program would be effective.
SB 2352 has the same intent of failed Senate Bill 2115, which was struck down by the Senate in January by a 18-29 vote. Opposing lawmakers cited concerns of the bill’s uncertain, but potentially large, fiscal note.
The bill has since been slimmed from eight pages to a few sentences. Its original language would have exempted prison staff from being held liable if the child was injured — unless those injuries resulted from a negligent employee.
Liability isn’t directly addressed in what remains of the bill, but it does require the department to enact policies to protect the child.
Costs associated with implementation are based on “future liability events,” according to its fiscal note, which lists $100,000 as a ballpark figure for the 2027-29 biennium.
Allowing mothers and their young children to live together is better for both parties involved, DOCR leaders and other proponents say.
During the Wednesday debate, 14 representatives voiced varying opinions about what’s more ethical and cost-effective: keeping babies with their imprisoned mothers or putting them in the foster system instead.
“I’ve had the honor and privilege of arresting some of those women,” TJ Brown, R-Fargo, said. “I cannot prioritize the incarcerated mother’s interest over the well being of the child; while babies may not understand their surroundings, a prison environment may have far reaching effects on their development.”
Tanner Ecker / The Bismarck Tribune
Other opponents said the bill is incomplete and lacks necessary statutory oversight to protect a baby by not addressing liability.
Supporters emphasized that the bill merely authorizes the DOCR to plan for the program ahead of the new facility opening, pointing to states where similar programs have shown to reduce recidivism rates and improve the health of both mothers and their babies.
Many supporting lawmakers also referenced their time visiting with mothers who are incarcerated.
Tanner Ecker / The Bismarck Tribune
“Listening to the debate today, it (visiting the facilities) should be a requirement, not a wish,” Rep. Jon Nelson, R-Rugby, said.
“Yes, you can be honored to pick up somebody off the streets that’s on a drug-ravaged crime and think you’ve done your civic duty, but it’s a different person when they get to the Heart River facility,” Nelson continued. “These women don’t have the services that we have at the North Dakota state penitentiary. This is the hope that they look for.”
The562’s coverage of Long Beach State athletics for the 2025-26 season is sponsored by Marilyn Bohl.
Long Beach State hosted North Dakota State on March 10 where they suffered a 5-2 loss. Freshman Nina Sepulveda had two hits in the loss. Long Beach State will resume Big West play this weekend when they travel to UC Riverside for a three-game series starting Friday, March 13.
GRAND FORKS — Four area athletes were selected to the North Dakota Division A all-state girls basketball team, which was released by the North Dakota High School Coaches Association on Tuesday.
The North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association will release all-state teams later this month.
Thompson’s Addison Sage led the way as a first team all-state pick, as well as receiving the division’s Outstanding Senior Athlete honor. Her coach, Jason Brend, was the Coach of the Year.
All-state second team choices from the area are Devils Lake junior Tylie Brodina, Four Winds-Minnewaukan sophomore Suri Gourd and Thompson senior Kya Hurst.
Sage, a 5-foot-6 guard, averaged 22.3 points per game, 3.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.2 steals per game. Sage has more than 1,900 career points and holds the Tommies’ all-time scoring record.
Brodina, a 5-8 guard, averaged 18.8 points and 2.6 steals per game. She shot 82 percent from the foul line and 32 percent from 3-point range.
Hurst, a 5-6 forward, averaged 16.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. She added 3.7 steals and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 39.5 percent from 3-point range. Hurst has scored more than 1,600 points and grabbed more than 840 rebounds in her career.
Gourd, a 5-8 guard, averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 4.4 steals per game. Gourd has more than 1,600 career points in her career with two more seasons to play.
Gourd led Four Winds-Minnewaukan from a 5-17 record last season to a 16-8 mark this year.
Funeral Mass for Annabelle Weber, 95, of Dickinson will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Queen of Peace Church with Msgr. Thomas Richter celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, with Rosary and Vigil service taking place at 6:00 PM. Annabelle passed away Friday, March 6, 2026 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Annabelle S. Weber was born on December 8, 1930, in Killdeer, North Dakota, to Frank and Eva (Kowis) Schmalz. She grew up in Killdeer and graduated from Killdeer High School in 1947. At the age of 17, Annabelle began working at Zimbrich’s Department Store in Killdeer. She later moved to Dickinson, where she worked at S&L in retail sales and spent many years at Kessel’s Bridal Shop. While working at the Esquire Steak House, she met Gerald Weber, the love of her life. The couple was united in marriage on November 1, 1954, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson, where they made their home and built their life together. Annabelle was a woman who loved staying busy and caring for her family and home. She enjoyed hunting and fishing, along with hobbies such as crafts, sewing, and gardening. She was well known for keeping an immaculate home and took great pride in caring for those around her. Faith was an important part of her life. She joined the Catholic Daughters in 1957 and was active in church circles, often helping with funeral dinners and parish gatherings. Annabelle’s greatest joy was her family. Annabelle is survived by her sons, Greg (Barbara) Weber of Grand Forks, Russ (Rhonda) Weber of Dickinson; daughter, Sharon (Tony) Allen of Andover, MN; nine grandchildren, Christi (Ryan), Tiffani (Tim), Shane (Kayla), Tonya (Adam), Samantha (Scott), Kevin, Tracey (Analisa), Stacie, Tyler; 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Eva Schmalz; husband, Gerald Weber; siblings, William (Evelyn) Schmalz, Elaine (John) Buresh, and Vernon (Dolores) Schmalz; and daughter-in-law, Coleen Weber (Krance). Remembrances and condolences can be shared at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.
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