In a recent meeting of the North Dakota Legislature's Conference Committee on HB 1377, lawmakers discussed the structure and implications of fines related to filing compliance. The committee is currently navigating differences between the House and Senate regarding the initial fine amounts, with some members advocating for a lower first-week fine and a higher fine for subsequent weeks. This approach aims to balance leniency for first-time mistakes with accountability for ongoing non-compliance.

Senator Casaneda raised concerns about the public visibility of these fines, suggesting that if fines are made public, their amounts should be significant enough to deter non-compliance. He emphasized that public perception could be more impactful than the fines themselves, indicating a desire for transparency in the enforcement of these regulations. The discussion highlighted the importance of public awareness in maintaining compliance among candidates.

Secretary of State Michael Howe clarified that the system would be programmed to notify the public when a filer is non-compliant, detailing the amounts owed and the duration of the delay. This transparency initiative aims to ensure that anyone can access filing records, thereby fostering accountability among candidates. Howe noted that while the office would continue efforts to contact filers directly, the public disclosure of fines would serve as an additional layer of oversight.

The committee also considered the timing of when fines would become public. Some members suggested that fines should remain private during the first week to allow for potential errors, but Howe argued against this, stating that transparency is crucial. He pointed out that the system is designed to accommodate mistakes, allowing filers a grace period to rectify any issues before facing public scrutiny.

Overall, the discussions in this meeting reflect a commitment to enhancing transparency in the electoral process while balancing the need for accountability. As the committee continues to refine the details of HB 1377, the implications of these decisions will likely resonate throughout the state's political landscape, influencing how candidates approach compliance and public perception in future elections.