North Dakota Ethics Commission seeks five additional staff to manage complaint backlog

During a recent meeting of the North Dakota House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division, significant discussions centered around the budget for the Ethics Commission, highlighting the urgent need for increased staffing to manage a rising number of complaints.

Representative Hansen proposed an amendment to increase the Ethics Commission's staffing from three to eight full-time employees (FTEs) in response to a dramatic surge in complaints. The commission has seen its workload escalate, with reports indicating that the number of complaints has already surpassed the total for the previous year within just the first three months of 2025. This increase has raised concerns about the commission's capacity to handle its responsibilities effectively, as it currently operates with the smallest staff compared to similar commissions nationwide.

The proposed amendment aimed to address not only the backlog of complaints but also to enhance the commission's ability to provide proactive education and advisory opinions. However, the motion did not receive a second and thus did not advance for further consideration.

In addition to staffing concerns, the committee discussed the implications of professional fees related to potential litigation against the Ethics Commission. With threats of legal action looming, the need for additional professional staff to assist in managing these challenges was emphasized. The committee acknowledged that litigation costs could arise from hiring outside counsel or utilizing resources from the Attorney General's office.

As the meeting concluded, the discussions underscored the pressing need for the Ethics Commission to adapt to its growing demands. The committee's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how effectively the commission can fulfill its mandate and maintain public trust in the state's ethical governance.