[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6357685,"mediaKeyId","2213800-19aa97465c6448ccf7a36c16a916748f","parentId",2213800,"title","House bill 1505 would create immunity for legislators who follow disclosure rules and clarify confidentiality for ethics proceedings","audioSeconds",2795,"startMs",6868000,"endMs",9663000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2213800-19aa97465c6448ccf7a36c16a916748f&start=6868&end=9663","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2213800-19aa97465c6448ccf7a36c16a916748f/thumbnail_6868000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6357685/North-Dakota/House-bill-1505-would-create-immunity-for-legislators-who-follow-disclosure-rules-and-clarify-confidentiality-for-ethics-proceedings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6357685-c6bfd07cc704709fb2e50f85d72f3db8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174958&Signature=YdiRMafJF9-iGEvznXBh-KueUJVrnE7ckIe7IxBoBnJcxhEdLEzzqcTQ7hQWMtC2SeNcg66fRqZFkvIEYXwCpvpLT0QuYu6-TUAaQKG3gNurzU1OSbQSkCPDRWaz9EHs54GZVQ6E6ApwGRQOICRinD5A-J1DF0beExF8TVV5gSf~5SX~Bqr-CRklhgC0~Kdrmir2efULFZzz5RBV0d~HFxQkW5X9moi4R9ikk27j38EwhXlLqn6LVRVCP34PgkFxmYsdjAxqb2L2REzoni8ZMKvlE~--o0VQKWSVNSG7sETd7alO8xPjwpkQyT3DJJm3PaGCgHsrWmzZjorhUuI5wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Government and Veterans Affairs, ND","date","2025-01-31T00:00:00Z","article","House Bill 1505, introduced by House Floor Leader Mike Lafour, would add criminal immunity and an affirmative defense for members of the legislative assembly who vote on measures after disclosing a potential conflict of interest according to the chamber’s rules or after relying on informal advice from the Ethics Commission’s staff. The measure also tightens and clarifies confidentiality provisions to allow individuals to consult counsel, share records with legal representatives and, in limited circumstances, disclose information when the respondent consents.

Leader Mike Lafour described the bill’s goal as offering clarity and fairness for citizen legislators who have outside occupations and possible overlapping interests. “When individuals run for election to the legislative assembly, they do so with the realization that you’re giving up time with your family, your friends, your businesses,” Lafour said. “This bill…provides that clarity.”

Nut graf: Sponsors say HB1505 seeks to protect legislators who disclose conflicts and rely on reasonable guidance while preserving the Ethics Commission’s investigatory role; both the Attorney General’s Office and the Ethics Commission expressed conditional support for an amended version of the bill, while some individual public commenters opposed the measure on optics grounds.

Emily Thompson of Legislative Council explained amendment 25124401004, which narrows and clarifies the immunity provisions. Under the amendment, a legislator who discloses a personal or unique interest on the floor, or who reasonably relies on informal guidance from the Ethics Commission’s executive director or written guidance, would have criminal immunity for the act of voting on an official measure. Thompson said the amendment also clarifies that the executive director’s informal guidance can be the basis for the immunity and that the bill preserves the commission’s authority to investigate alleged violations via the enforcement process described in related bills.

The Attorney General’s Office said it supports HB1505 as filed and that the bill prevents criminal prosecution of legislators who comply with constitutionally authorized rules that let the full chamber decide whether a conflict prevents voting. The AG’s office also urged the committee to retain the statutory protections allowing counsel access and to clarify records confidentiality so state employees and officials can obtain legal advice while participating in commission matters.

The Ethics Commission testified that many of its concerns about 1505 were alleviated by the proposed amendment and that it supports provisions clarifying informal guidance and the closure authority for the executive director, as long as formal parameters for informal guidance are adopted through rules.

Opponents: One public witness urged the committee to reject the bill, arguing the measure creates bad optics and could be misused; several committee members acknowledged optics concerns but said the rules for disclosure were intended to protect public trust while allowing a citizen legislature to function.

Ending: The committee closed the hearing on HB1505 after extended discussion and indicated staff and stakeholders would continue to refine language; no committee vote is recorded in the hearing transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Government and Veterans Affairs Jan 31, 2025\t","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 1505 would protect legislators from criminal prosecution for casting votes on measures when they properly disclose a potential conflict of interest or reasonably rely on informal guidance from ethics‑commission staff, and would clarify confidentiality exceptions so respondents and witnesses can consult counsel.","taxTitle","Government and Veterans Affairs, House of Representatives, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28892,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6357695,"Committee hears bill to replace ‘complaint’ process and change North Dakota Ethics Commission enforcement",3603,671000,4274000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2213800-19aa97465c6448ccf7a36c16a916748f&start=671&end=4274","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2213800-19aa97465c6448ccf7a36c16a916748f/thumbnail_671000.jpg","/articles/6357695/North-Dakota/Committee-hears-bill-to-replace-complaint-process-and-change-North-Dakota-Ethics-Commission-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6357695-4f6e341a261ffe3195924c36ffdc4371/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174958&Signature=LRNtTG7BJ9~repmThOGxKWUidrRqDWBig3mdBvScDp6Mtm9q0ECC510oLs4X-LuU3aGh1szcxF~svAN~gk33mTdJiefsdTFQq1I8AlLWY3sPxE6vxDMnE6uXbgknB5bTTfFYU-ZsdKVNr1YVeTgaeuNJE3WsyB~AA68ZRbNYRVqBp~oQbf3OXhYXpaDJtm6fFI2xzvalUHRcRhv5OjcMkG0prCFQ6Jg8tF7PDO38~blJ0k4qg8zfSpGD~iwll-1eDdmCX3JgKqwTMuJFAYL1HwalwNhzsEwd519CG8HP-gK~YXTYCY2URB5VTOd0etxM~JxfLzWUQPUmu22k-CNsyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on House Bill 1360 focused on changes to how the North Dakota Ethics Commission (NDEC) would handle allegations of ethics violations, including replacing the current complaint-driven system with a formal “enforcement process.”

Representative Josh Christie introduced the measure and said the bill “aims to refine and enhance the enforcement process of the North Dakota Ethics Commission by amending multiple sections of the North Dakota Century Code and repealing certain outdated provisions.” Rebecca Vinstak, the commission’s executive director, told the committee the proposal came from five years of data and would emphasize education, streamline steps and protect due process.

“The enforcement process serves four main goals,” Vinstak said. “First, the new enforcement process will address concerns brought to the commission through education first, instead of having a punitive ‘gotcha’ effect. Second, the enforcement process reduces red tape. Third, the enforcement process will bolster due process by allowing more opportunities for a respondent to interact with the five commissioners and defend him or herself publicly. Fourth, the enforcement process addresses ethical concerns in an efficient way and makes good use of taxpayer resources.”

Nut graf: Supporters described the rewrite as intended to make investigations faster, less politically exploitable and more educational; the attorney general’s office urged caution, saying the bill removes statutory guardrails and raises constitutional questions about delegation of enforcement authority.

Vinstak walked the committee through the proposed flowchart for the new system. Under the bill, anyone could submit “relevant information” — in person, by email or via a required hotline — rather than filing a formal complaint. Commission staff would first attempt informal outreach and education with the respondent; if unresolved, staff could conduct an informal investigation, produce a report and recommend that the commission close the matter, issue an alleged violation, or seek additional follow-up. A formal investigation, hearing and appeal process would remain for cases that progress that far. Vinstak said the commission expects most matters would settle with guidance or informal resolution.

Attorney General Chief Deputy Claire Ness testified in opposition, saying the bill would repeal statutes that currently protect due process rights and other safeguards. Ness told the committee the legislation removes statutory requirements such as notice provisions, rights to respond, and protections for having counsel present during proceedings — and she warned some of those protections overlap with constitutional due process.

“The bill basically takes away any of the legislative guardrails on their rule making process and gives complete discretion to the ethics commission,” Ness said, adding the bill’s repeated use of the term “enforcement action” could be read to give the commission broad authority to impose sanctions that the constitution reserves to the legislative assembly.

Committee members pressed both sides with questions about timing, confidentiality and scope. Representative Vetter asked when information would be public under the new system; Vinstak replied that records would remain confidential until a final commission order is issued and any appeals are resolved, and that settlements or closed matters would stay private unless the respondent or the person who submitted the information agreed to disclosure. Vinstak told the committee that pending matters would be transitioned into the new process under companion administrative rules.

Ness raised additional constitutional concerns: she said the bill’s definition of “regulated individual” would sweep in private contributors and others who are currently treated differently in law, and she urged the committee to clarify definitions by cross-referencing existing code (for example, chapter 16.1-08.1 for contribution definitions). Ness also recommended the committee consider narrower statutory changes rather than repealing protections from statute entirely.

The commission and its executive director said they had modeled parts of the proposal on other constitutional ethics commissions, including the Texas Ethics Commission, and that the proposed changes would reduce political exploitation of investigations and let respondents speak publicly sooner in limited circumstances.

Ending: Committee members heard supporters and opponents but did not take a vote. Several lawmakers flagged the need for additional drafting and cross-reference to existing code sections. The hearing record shows the committee will consider related bills (including 1505) and companion rules before any final action.","A House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on House Bill 1360 focused on changes to how the North Dakota Ethics Commission would handle allegations of ethics violations, replacing the current complaint-driven system with an enforcement process.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6357675,"Committee approves Ireland trade commission bill after hearing from Irish senate leader",1532,12000000,13532000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2213800-19aa97465c6448ccf7a36c16a916748f&start=12000&end=13532","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2213800-19aa97465c6448ccf7a36c16a916748f/thumbnail_12000000.jpg","/articles/6357675/North-Dakota/Committee-approves-Ireland-trade-commission-bill-after-hearing-from-Irish-senate-leader","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6357675-81140e28dbf6c0de0808fe009fd30548/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174958&Signature=A0H6es6p7tDh24AXTJa83SlLeoyBGiPsh9Um0e9Kw~VcHM2f-mRHgY~ImAm9KB-SKZRH1eaTaU~EdlFqAcvQtVttpbJyTEdd~5s5mbi2gQIldoQYeD7i0yJGMBQ66ETnMaO3U9N8jbzB8C~6ngD4DtDOt3PCrvPS96n4TQvyk3~L-wu9y7cCpaPQWbW9~znO9oFsXkdGgTCzGluUNWLMzgmaGPdcd7pyQ9U3itBb7BzX2ww1eWLDLqJ8QAfbPRaebZYEvT0u9n2AJNVBUScVDO2BcTrYlpOtGcOl4cNL4R8~6XR2VlbL8DJHRccM70y64q2djJCfVGDfBKIa1E0wpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee voted in favor of recommending House Bill 1568, which would create a North Dakota–Ireland trade commission to promote business and academic exchanges, encourage investment and serve as a point of contact for trade and education opportunities between North Dakota and Ireland.

Representative Mary Schneider introduced the bill and called in a remote witness: Senator Mark Daly, leader of the Irish Senate, addressed the committee by video. Daly described the commission as a mechanism to build two‑way relationships, with Ireland serving as a gateway to the European Union for U.S. firms and North Dakota providing trade and investment opportunities for Irish companies.

Nut graf: The measure drew bipartisan and institutional support at the hearing — the Department of Agriculture and North Dakota Trade Office both testified in favor — and the committee voted to recommend the bill (do‑pass) on a recorded roll call, 12–1.

Senator Daly said the commission would facilitate exchanges at the departmental and academic level and suggested annual delegations to Ireland (including Northern Ireland) and reciprocal visits by Irish parliamentary committees and business delegations. “We want our parliamentary committees…to go to North Dakota, visit with the trade commissioners, meet with your universities, meet with yourselves as legislators,” Daly said.

The Department of Agriculture and the state Trade Office testified in support, citing agricultural export opportunities and Ireland’s role as a gateway to EU markets. Drew Combs, executive director of the North Dakota Trade Office, noted the state already has business ties and that a standing commission would institutionalize outreach and make it easier for North Dakota companies to access EU markets.

Action at hearing: Representative Bail moved a do‑pass recommendation. Representative Steiner seconded. The committee took a roll‑call voice and the motion passed 12–1, with Representative Wolfe recorded as the lone no vote.

Ending: With a committee do‑pass recommendation, HB1568 will advance to the next step in the legislative process. Committee supporters said the commission would be a long‑term investment in international links for North Dakota businesses and universities.","The House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee voted to recommend House Bill 1568, creating a North Dakota–Ireland trade commission to promote trade, investment and academic exchanges between the state and Ireland.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6357680,"UND president, tribal leaders ask for $5 million to support NAGPRA compliance and repatriation",1776,9934000,11710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2213800-19aa97465c6448ccf7a36c16a916748f&start=9934&end=11710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2213800-19aa97465c6448ccf7a36c16a916748f/thumbnail_9934000.jpg","/articles/6357680/North-Dakota/UND-president-tribal-leaders-ask-for-5-million-to-support-NAGPRA-compliance-and-repatriation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6357680-9e5f87a314075a7d7f6e1d9c24b5e7b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174958&Signature=daXapdA9bOUD6TMQTukgRERHROxl3TEI-a7yNj0BuOcN4BsrS~Ft4KS5uQXVBZ6mZQB3uftDUa~bxWqGjUO2AH4yj0BW~K4ej3wQAVXwWnr4Pwv5FZpx3Zk1820TW3lQqPURXIB26FGC6vEHfpB7y~Xq~XJpmqmeJTEpHCqFWbhotXUuisdwWAU5dkQYR-DUE7eqphf5ycNxCnV0~3996JvqNdKTIwRgu4avLcqohQEzVxVhBZbKzYXaqllGzVr~N~RibKLAfC3W3M3qrCsaCNztoooEgyFt3YwkUC2wPApQzitCurTrDkowbFfeyqvsZqeo7uMEViooQWNx~DI53Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Colette Brown (District 9) introduced House Bill 1603, a proposal to appropriate $5,000,000 to the North Dakota State Historical Society to assist tribal nations and state institutions with compliance under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The proposal would fund inventories, consultations, travel, expert consultants and related repatriation work.

President Andy Armacost of the University of North Dakota described UND’s multiyear repatriation work and said the principal barrier to meeting NAGPRA obligations is expense: specialists, consultants and travel for tribal leaders. “Our tribal nations will be at the center of this time‑consuming and exhausting work, and establishing a repatriation fund will help them and will help the North Dakota institutions…to execute their responsibilities under NAGPRA,” Armacost said. He said UND had spent about $2.5 million to date on its own repatriation work and that the proposed statewide fund would help smaller institutions and tribes meet obligations.

Nut graf: The bill would create a dedicated appropriation to support repatriation efforts across the state; tribal representatives and cultural liaisons urged the committee to allow additional drafting time so tribal historic preservation officers could offer technical amendments to strengthen repatriation procedures.

Tribal leaders and representatives testified in favor. James Dakota, cultural liaison for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, called the appropriation a step toward justice and cultural healing. Rep. Lisa Finley DeVille (representing the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation) requested additional time to amend the bill because the MHA Tribe’s THPO staff were ill and had technical input the tribe wanted to add.

Other witnesses — including UND alumnus and researchers — urged the committee to act to stop ongoing harms and speed the return of ancestors and sacred objects. Alicia LeCount, general counsel for the Turtle Mountain Band, said repatriation work is often time‑consuming but central to community healing, and that federal NAGPRA already requires institutions to return items; state funding would remove a financial barrier.

Ending: Committee members closed the hearing after extensive supportive testimony and a request from tribal representatives for more time to propose technical amendments. No committee vote is recorded in the hearing transcript; sponsors indicated they would accept amendments to strengthen repatriation timelines and consultation procedures.","Representative Colette Brown and University of North Dakota President Andy Armacost told the Government and Veterans Affairs Committee that House Bill 1603 would create a state fund, administered by the State Historical Society, to help institutions and tribes cover costs associated with Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6357691,"Committee hears bill to extend pre‑Medicare health coverage to retired peace officers; PERS flags long‑term cost",3958,2576000,6534000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2213800-19aa97465c6448ccf7a36c16a916748f&start=2576&end=6534","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2213800-19aa97465c6448ccf7a36c16a916748f/thumbnail_2576000.jpg","/articles/6357691/North-Dakota/Committee-hears-bill-to-extend-preMedicare-health-coverage-to-retired-peace-officers-PERS-flags-longterm-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6357691-c681fa6b2c7d9a5c87c02b062391515c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174958&Signature=BMlH3ohCT1v53OB0qfZQn3lQPKIVdugdqd1WHYLYfD7d5AmriHOUXcXMMuUJ~6uwyXDIfOuQl2TJ7QMsIJUEVWAnyUcu~kIPXu~sZWroHU24Ws6briJxpf8K3jnWDHP2pAHm21~5-GQsVNvF5tvGJef5hz-59hkbkU9VN-zc2I-odkdaxwAraSOMh3jE-RRI8lR-w3ZQGrSda3Bqh480VEI6yy6UOaeXXVJiwMIB-WRWPPt3SYzdqP2DzTL9eT6m0oolVEmHWKIt1NZUQrddUfZYErV9gXO9fZJOzhHPHm9MV9WfYCNnOYW7aZf~7Rzvlv~07fh~DPD1n6pb~Pnryw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Dori Houck introduced House Bill 1371, which would make a subgroup of retired peace officers eligible for Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) pre‑Medicare health benefits until they become Medicare‑eligible, with the state covering premiums for eligible retirees.

“House Bill 1371 aims to create another tool for recruitment and retention for career peace officers in North Dakota,” Representative Dori Houck (R‑District 36) told the committee. She cited a Bureau of Justice Statistics estimate for the state law‑enforcement workforce and said roughly 15.5% of that workforce — about 508 officers — would be eligible under the bill’s 20‑year service standard.

Stark County Sheriff Corey Lee and several law‑enforcement associations supported the bill, calling it a recruitment and retention tool and a way to reimburse lengthy, hazardous careers. “This bill…creates a sustained program that could benefit all of us for decades to come,” Sheriff Lee said.

Nut graf: Proponents argued the benefit addresses a lapse between retirement and Medicare eligibility and will help recruit and keep officers; the PERS board and staff cautioned the committee the state would shoulder substantial premium costs and that reopening or expanding the pre‑Medicare subgroup may create an unfunded liability for the state.

PERS Executive Director Rebecca Fricke testified in a neutral capacity and provided technical background. PERS said a prior 2013 law closed the pre‑Medicare plan to new enrollees beginning July 1, 2015, due to costs and an accounting requirement under GASB for an “implicit subsidy” the state had reported on its financial statements. Deloitte, PERS’s actuary, produced the fiscal estimate attached to the bill: a roughly $16,720,000 increase in premiums for the 2025–27 biennium and about $2,400,000 charged to participating political subdivisions.

Fricke told the committee there is limited claims data for a newly opened peace‑officer subgroup, so Deloitte assumed claims experience similar to the remaining small pre‑Medicare pool. She cautioned that if the state or participating subdivisions cover the entire premium (the bill as filed assumes retirees do not pay any portion), the entire premium paid by others would be treated as an implicit subsidy under GASB rules and could require the state to report a new unfunded liability on its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Members asked technical and policy questions: Representative Wolfe asked whether someone with 20 years of service who retires earlier could qualify; Fricke said retirement eligibility under public‑safety rules and age thresholds interact and that the bill’s language ties eligibility both to years of service and an age threshold (testimony clarified the sponsor intended age‑55 eligibility). Representative Steiner asked whether the benefit should be retroactive for the already‑eligible 508 officers or apply only prospectively; Houck said she would accept a prospective approach if the committee preferred.

Ending: The committee closed the hearing after receiving supportive testimony from chiefs’ and officers’ associations and technical comments from PERS. No vote was recorded in the hearing transcript; committee members requested additional drafting time and more precise fiscal estimates before acting on the bill.","House Bill 1371 would allow retired peace officers with 20 years of service who are not Medicare‑eligible to enroll in the PERS pre‑Medicare health plan, with the state covering premiums. Supporters said the benefit would aid recruitment and retention; PERS staff warned the change would increase plan costs and revive an implicit subsidy the state","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House bill 1505 would create immunity for legislators who follow disclosure rules and clarify confidentiality for ethics proceedings

Committee hears bill to replace ‘complaint’ process and change North Dakota Ethics Commission enforcement

Committee approves Ireland trade commission bill after hearing from Irish senate leader

UND president, tribal leaders ask for $5 million to support NAGPRA compliance and repatriation

Committee hears bill to extend pre‑Medicare health coverage to retired peace officers; PERS flags long‑term cost