House defeats bill to streamline North Dakota Ethics Commission
The North Dakota House sent a clear message on Monday, rejecting two bills that would have reshaped the state’s ethics oversight. Lawmakers overwhelmingly defeated House Bill 1360, a proposal to give the Ethics Commission greater control over its investigations, citing concerns about unchecked power. A separate bill, aimed at shielding legislators from criminal conflict-of-interest charges under certain conditions, also failed. The votes reflect ongoing tensions over how ethics laws should be enforced—balancing oversight with legal safeguards for public officials.
HB 1360
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 54-66-01, subsection 2 of section 54-66-04, and sections 54-66-05, 54-66-08, 54-66-10, and 54-66-12 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the enforcement process for the North Dakota ethics commission; and to repeal sections 54-66-06, 54-66-07, and 54-66-09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to complaints filed with the North Dakota ethics commission.
House Sponsors: Christy (R, District 27), Ista (D, District 43), Lefor (R, District 37), Louser (R, District 5), O’Brien (R, District 42), Pyle (R, District 22),
Senate Sponsors: Boschee (D, District 44), Hogue (R, District 38), Roers (R, District 27), Thomas (R, District 6),
,
HB 1505
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-03 and a new section to chapter 54-66 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to immunity and an affirmative defense for individuals voting on legislation and closure of matters by the ethics commission; to amend and reenact sections 12.1-13-02, 54-66-10, 54-66-12, and 54-66-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to immunity from criminal prosecution, individuals’ rights to appeals, confidential information, and conflicts of interest; and to declare an emergency.
House Sponsors: Lefor (R, District 37),
Senate Sponsors: Hogue (R, District 38),
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