Bill > HB1141

This bill amends North Dakota's law regarding the use of public services or property for political purposes, establishing clearer guidelines and enforcement mechanisms. The bill prohibits individuals or organizations from using state or political subdivision property, services, or public funds for political purposes, which are defined broadly to include activities supporting or opposing candidates, ballot measures, or elections. The legislation introduces the state ethics commission as a key oversight body, empowering it to investigate potential violations and assess civil penalties of up to $500 for infractions. If the ethics commission discovers potential criminal conduct, it must refer the matter to the county state's attorney or, if that office declines prosecution, to the attorney general. The bill provides detailed definitions of terms like "political purpose," "property," and "public funds," and specifies that activities undertaken in the performance of official duties or factual voter education are not considered political purposes. The legislation aims to prevent the misuse of public resources for political campaigning and establishes a formal process for addressing potential violations, with the goal of maintaining the integrity of public service and electoral processes.

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https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1141.html