This bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the oversight and governance of water districts. It mandates that the state auditor conduct audits of various political subdivisions, including water districts created under chapter 61-16 and operating under chapter 61-16.1, as well as those subject to chapter 61-35, every two years. Additionally, it modifies the petition requirements for initiating audits of water districts, allowing a petition from at least ten percent or three hundred participating members, whichever is fewer, to trigger an audit.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the governance structure of water districts. It requires that proposed bylaws be submitted for adoption at a special meeting of members, and it stipulates that each participating member seeking election to the board must present a petition with signatures from ten members. The bill also outlines the process for dividing directors into classes, the terms of office, and the filling of vacancies, ensuring that elections are conducted in a transparent and accessible manner for all participating members.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-10-14, 54-10-15, 61-35-09, 61-35-10
Adopted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee: 54-10-14, 54-10-15, 61-35-09, 61-35-10
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 54-10-14, 54-10-15, 61-35-09, 61-35-10