He served in that capacity until 2000, when he became Attorney General of North Dakota. As Attorney General, Stenehjem proposed legislation to curb methamphetamine use and addiction in the state, by restricting retail sales of certain products used in its manufacture, providing mandatory treatment for first-time drug offenders, and increasing criminal penalties for drug offenders.
Stenehjem served as that official until 2000, when he took on a new role as North Dakota's Attorney General. As the state's top law enforcement officer, Stenehjem proposed legislation to address methamphetamine abuse in the state by regulating product sales, providing treatment for first-time offenders, and increasing penalties for those convicted of drug-related crimes.