Bill > HB1583

This bill amends North Dakota's existing law regarding false political advertisements by expanding the definition and penalties for publishing misleading political content. Under the revised law, a person can be charged with a class A misdemeanor if they knowingly or recklessly publish a political advertisement containing untrue, deceptive, or misleading statements about a candidate's record, ballot measure, or election issue across various media platforms, including traditional outlets like radio and newspapers, as well as newer communication channels like text messages, social media, websites, and electronic transmissions. The bill adds important new provisions that exempt media outlets from liability if they are not the original source of the misleading content and introduces a civil remedy allowing candidates who are subject to false advertisements to pursue legal action and potentially recover their legal costs and fees. This legislation aims to discourage the spread of intentionally misleading political information and provide legal recourse for candidates who are targets of such advertisements.

Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1583.html