Bill > HB1286

This bill introduces comprehensive new requirements for transparency in political campaign funding in North Dakota, focusing on identifying the "ultimate and true source" of funds used in political advertising and expenditures. The legislation requires any person or organization spending more than $200 in an election cycle (defined as a two-year period) to maintain detailed "tracing records" that document the origin of funds, including the identity of contributors and any intermediaries transferring funds. Covered persons must notify fund contributors that their money might be used for political expenditures and provide an opportunity to opt out. Within ten days of spending over $200 in traceable funds, entities must file a statement with the Secretary of State disclosing detailed information about the funds' sources, which will be made publicly accessible online. The bill mandates that political advertisements disclose the names of the top three donors who contributed the largest amounts of traceable funds, with specific disclosure requirements for visual and audio advertisements. Violations can result in fines ranging from two to three times the monetary value of the funds in question, and attempting to structure contributions to evade reporting requirements is classified as a class A misdemeanor. The legislation aims to increase transparency in political spending and provide North Dakota residents with clearer information about who is funding political communications.

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https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1286.html