North Dakota’s campaign finance laws are embarrassingly weak, and that’s no accident. Candidates and committees disclose little, and even when they break the rules, the penalties are laughable. A bill to change that—requiring more transparency and stiffening fines—passed the Senate without opposition. But in the House, lawmakers are bristling at the idea of revealing more about how they raise and spend money. Some claim it would expose campaign strategy, others insist there’s no problem at all. Their resistance raises a bigger question: Why are they so determined to keep voters in the dark?
That’s the introduction. Rob Port has the full story on topic that should have every North Dakota citizen’s engagement.
SB 2156
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact sections 16.1-08.1-02.3, 16.1-08.1-04.1, and 16.1-08.1-06.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to campaign disclosure statements for statewide and legislative candidates and measure committees, and fees for the filing of late statements or reports; and to repeal section 16.1-08.1-03.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to special requirements for statements required of persons engaged in activities regarding ballot measures.
House Sponsors:
Senate Sponsors: Cleary (R, District 35),
