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 in the North Dakota Century Code that allows for the recall of these officials through a petition process requiring signatures from thirty-five percent of voters who participated in the most recent election for that office. The bill also stipulates that recall petitions must include a stated reason for the recall and must be approved by the Secretary of State before circulation. Additionally, it mandates that petitions must be submitted within ninety days of approval and outlines the process for calling a special election following the validation of the petition.

The bill further amends existing provisions related to recall petitions, including the requirement for petition circulators to be qualified electors and the necessity for notarized signatures. It specifies that a recall election cannot be held if candidate filings are not received by the filing officer before the deadline, in which case the recall petition would be declared ineffective. Furthermore, it prohibits a member from being subject to recall twice during their term and establishes that a member cannot be recalled if a regularly scheduled election is set to occur within one year. Overall, the bill aims to clarify and streamline the recall process for local elected officials in North Dakota.

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