This bill aims to establish a prohibition against development agreements involving foreign adversaries in North Dakota. It amends existing sections of the North Dakota Century Code, specifically sections 11-11-70 and 40-05-26, to include new penalties for approving such agreements. The bill specifies that county and city boards cannot authorize development agreements with individuals or governments identified as foreign adversaries under the relevant federal regulations or those on the Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions list. Exceptions are made for foreign adversaries that are duly registered businesses in good standing for at least seven years, have been approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, and maintain an active national security agreement with the federal government.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section to chapter 54-06, reinforcing the prohibition and outlining the investigative responsibilities of county sheriffs and state attorneys when complaints are made regarding violations. It establishes that individuals found guilty of violating these provisions will be charged with a class C felony and will be prohibited from holding any state office. The bill aims to enhance state security by preventing foreign adversaries from engaging in development activities that could pose risks to national interests.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 11-11-70, 40-05-26