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, deceptive, or misleading assertions about a candidate or any election-related issue. The bill expands the definition of what constitutes a political advertisement to include various forms of media such as text messages, telephone calls, 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 ensure that voters receive accurate information during elections.

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