North Dakota governor signs bill to protect drug informants

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has signed a measure into law that establishes protections for confidential drug informants.

The move Monday by the Republican governor comes more than three years after 20-year-old college student Andrew Sadek was found dead in a river with a bullet in his head and a backpack of rocks tied to his body.

His parents, Tammy and John Sadek, have lobbied lawmakers to pass legislation so that informants can have better knowledge of their legal options to understand the risks they may be taking.

The legislation clarifies the rights of people offered the role of confidential drug informant, including their right to an attorney.

The measure also requires authorities to enter a written agreement with informants. Law enforcement agencies also must undergo training before using informants.

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