This bill amends existing North Dakota law regarding recall elections for elected officials, specifically targeting members of governing bodies of cities, park districts, and school boards. It establishes a new section that allows for the recall of these officials by a petition signed by at least thirty-five percent of the voters who participated in the most recent election for that office. The bill also outlines the requirements for the recall petition, including the need for a stated reason for the recall, the approval of the petition form by the Secretary of State, and the submission timeline of ninety days for gathering signatures. Additionally, it mandates that the petition must include the names and addresses of at least five qualified electors sponsoring the recall.

The bill further specifies that if a recall petition is submitted and deemed valid, a special election must be held within a timeframe of ninety-five to one hundred five days, unless it coincides with another scheduled election. It also introduces provisions that prevent a recall election from occurring if no candidates file for the position before the deadline, in which case the recall petition would be declared ineffective. Furthermore, it prohibits a member from being subject to recall more than once during their term and establishes that a member cannot be recalled if a regular election is scheduled within one year.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 16.1-01-09.1, 44-08-21
Adopted by the Senate State and Local Government Committee: 16.1-01-09.1, 44-08-21
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 16.1-01-09.1, 44-08-21
Adopted by the House Political Subdivisions Committee: 16.1-01-09.1, 44-08-21
Enrollment: 16.1-01-09.1, 44-08-21