summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/03/2025
05/03/2025
Introduced Session
69th Legislative Assembly
Bill Summary
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 16.1-01-12 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to election offenses.
AI Summary
This bill amends North Dakota's election offense laws to modify and clarify various prohibited actions related to elections and petition processes. The bill updates existing statutes by removing a provision that previously allowed payment for petition signature gathering (with certain restrictions) and renumbers subsequent sections. Key offenses remain largely unchanged and include actions such as fraudulently altering ballots, voting multiple times, voting in the wrong precinct, obstructing voters or election officials, and signing petitions when unqualified. The bill maintains a graduated penalty system where violations range from class A misdemeanors to class C felonies depending on the specific offense. For example, fraudulent voting or submitting multiple false names on a petition can result in more serious felony charges, while obstructing an election or disobeying an election officer would be considered a misdemeanor. The bill also preserves provisions that allow organizations to be fined and potentially have their business authorization revoked for election-related offenses, with revocation periods varying from one to five years based on the severity of the violation. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that these criminal provisions apply equally to candidate elections and ballot measure elections, ensuring consistent legal treatment across different types of electoral processes.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (12)
Nels Christianson (R)*,
Matt Heilman (R)*,
Donna Henderson (R)*,
Jared Hendrix (R)*,
Jeff Hoverson (R)*,
Daniel Johnston (R)*,
Jim Kasper (R)*,
Nathan Toman (R)*,
Sean Cleary (R),
Claire Cory (R),
Jeff Magrum (R),
Kent Weston (R),
Last Action
Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 29 nays 64 (on 02/24/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
---|---|
State Bill Page | https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1245.html |
BillText | https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0652-01000.pdf |
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