This bill amends existing North Dakota law regarding recall elections for elected officials, specifically targeting members of city governing bodies, park districts, and school boards. It establishes a new section in the North Dakota Century Code 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 recall petitions, including the need for a stated reason for the recall, notarized signatures, and the necessity for the petition to be submitted within ninety days of approval for circulation by the Secretary of State. Additionally, it specifies that a recall election must be held within a certain timeframe after the petition is certified as valid.

The bill further amends existing provisions related to recall petitions, including the requirement that petitions must have at least fifteen sponsors if the city population exceeds 250 or if the school district has an enrollment greater than 250. It also clarifies that a member cannot be recalled twice during their term and cannot be subject to recall if a special election would occur within one year of the next regularly scheduled election. Notably, if no candidates file for the recall election, the petition will be declared ineffective, allowing the official to continue serving their term.

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