This bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the enforcement process for the North Dakota Ethics Commission. Key changes include the introduction of new definitions such as "alleged violation," "enforcement action," and "ethical violation," which clarify the commission's jurisdiction and the nature of complaints. The bill also modifies the procedures for handling complaints, allowing the commission to adopt rules of procedure for enforcement actions and ensuring that discussions regarding enforcement actions are conducted in closed meetings until a final commission order is issued and affirmed by a court.

Additionally, the bill repeals sections related to complaints filed with the Ethics Commission, streamlining the process and focusing on the enforcement actions. It specifies that a respondent may appeal a final commission order to the district court, and it outlines the confidentiality of information related to enforcement actions, ensuring that certain details remain protected unless a final order is issued. Overall, the bill aims to improve the clarity and efficiency of the ethics enforcement process in North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-66-01, 54-66-04, 54-66-05, 54-66-08, 54-66-10, 54-66-12