Bill > HB1277

This bill modifies North Dakota's ethics laws and complaint processes for the state ethics commission, making several key changes. It provides immunity from criminal prosecution for legislators who disclose personal interests before voting on legislation and allows legislators to rely on informal advice from ethics commission staff as an affirmative defense in potential prosecutions. The bill revises definitions related to ethics investigations, including terms like "ethical violation" and "regulated individual," and changes how complaints and investigations are handled. Specifically, the executive director of the ethics commission can now close matters informally, issue guidance letters, and refer investigations to outside attorneys or investigators with commission permission. The bill also updates confidentiality rules for ethics investigations, making certain information confidential until a final commission order is issued, and allows for more controlled disclosure of investigative information. Additionally, the bill modifies conflict of interest rules for the legislative assembly, requiring disclosure of unique and individual interests in legislation. The bill repeals several existing sections related to the ethics commission's complaint process and declares itself an emergency measure, meaning it would take effect immediately upon passage.

Military Affairs and Security

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1277.html