The bill amends section 16.1-10-04 of the North Dakota Century Code to address the publication of false information in political advertisements. It establishes that a person can be charged with a class A misdemeanor if they knowingly or with reckless disregard publish any political advertisement or news release that contains false or misleading assertions about a candidate or an election issue. The bill specifies various forms of media through which such advertisements can be disseminated, including radio, television, newspapers, text messages, social media, and other commercial mediums.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the provisions do not apply to newspapers, television or radio stations, or other commercial mediums that are not the source of the misleading political advertisement or news release. This amendment aims to enhance accountability in political advertising and protect the integrity of the electoral process by penalizing the dissemination of false information.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 16.1-10-04
Adopted by the House Political Subdivisions Committee: 16.1-10-04
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 16.1-10-04
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Cleary: 16.1-10-04
Enrollment: 16.1-10-04