North Dakota Ethics Commission faces record complaints and budget constraints

The North Dakota House Appropriations Committee convened on April 10, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding the state’s Ethics Commission, particularly in light of a significant increase in complaints. The committee discussed proposed changes to the commission's operational framework, including a controversial measure that would allow the commission to close complaints after 180 days if no action has been taken.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the backlog of over 50 pending complaints, with some cases lingering for more than two years. The committee debated the necessity of granting the Ethics Commission subpoena power, which was ultimately excluded from the current bill. The proposed changes aim to streamline the complaint process, but critics argue that they may hinder the commission's ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate.

Representative Hansen voiced strong opposition to the proposed budget, highlighting that the Ethics Commission has seen a dramatic rise in complaints—from 41 in 2024 to 63 in just the first quarter of 2025. Hansen emphasized that the commission's budget remains largely flat despite this surge, arguing that the lack of additional resources could set the commission up for failure. He advocated for the addition of a full-time employee dedicated to education and outreach, which he believes is essential for preventing future complaints.

The committee's discussions also touched on the need for transparency, with a proposal for the Ethics Commission to publish an annual report detailing the status of complaints and actions taken. This move aims to enhance public understanding of the commission's work and the challenges it faces.

As the committee continues to refine the budget and policies governing the Ethics Commission, the outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for how ethical complaints are managed in North Dakota. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the proposed changes and potential adjustments to the budget to better equip the commission for its growing responsibilities.