A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-03 and a new section to chapter 54-66 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to immunity and a defense for persons related to voting on legislation and closure of matters by the ethics commission; to amend and reenact sections 12.1-13-02, 54-66-10, 54-66-12, and 54-66-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to immunity from criminal prosecution, individuals' rights to appeals, confidential information, and conflicts of interest; to provide for application; and to declare an emergency.
What changed between versions
Bill number designation changed from 'HOUSE BILL NO. 1505' to 'ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 1505' to reflect the legislative process stage.
Minor wording adjustments in Section 1 changed 'A person' to 'A personAn individual' and 'himself' to 'himselfthe individual' to improve clarity and consistency in legal terminology.
Section 5 was modified to clarify that confidential information remains confidential unless a final commission order is issued and affirmed by a court.
Section 2 was modified to explicitly include immunity for an 'organization' for which the individual is an 'agent' when the individual discloses a potential conflict of interest.
Section 3 was modified to clarify that the commission may issue an alleged violation, require additional investigation, or close the matter, and that settlements may include advisory opinions or informal guidance.
