This bill provides funding for the North Dakota Ethics Commission, appropriating a total of $1,368,016 from the general fund for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. This includes a one-time allocation of $52,348 for a case management system and office furniture. The bill introduces new provisions that grant immunity to legislative assembly members from criminal prosecution when they follow conflict of interest rules while voting, and it establishes an affirmative defense for those relying on informal advice from ethics commission staff. Additionally, it amends existing sections of the North Dakota Century Code to clarify definitions, procedures for handling complaints, and the roles of the ethics commission.

Key amendments include replacing the term "accused individual" with "respondent," enhancing the commission's authority to manage complaints, and requiring the commission to provide written findings of investigations to respondents. The bill mandates that respondents can respond to findings in person or in writing, with legal counsel present during in-person responses. It also establishes new requirements for timely complaint management and mandates an annual report detailing complaints and actions taken, which must be publicly available. Overall, these changes aim to strengthen the ethical framework governing public officials and improve the operational efficiency and transparency of the ethics commission.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee: 12.1-13-02, 54-66-12, 54-66-18
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Mathern: 12.1-13-02, 54-66-01, 54-66-04, 54-66-05, 54-66-06, 54-66-07, 54-66-08, 54-66-09, 54-66-10, 54-66-12, 54-66-18
Enrollment: 12.1-13-02, 54-66-01, 54-66-04, 54-66-05, 54-66-06, 54-66-07, 54-66-08, 54-66-09, 54-66-10, 54-66-12, 54-66-18