North Dakota lawmakers are looking to tighten the rules on political messaging. The state Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill aimed at curbing misleading ads, expanding existing laws to include social media, text messages, and phone calls. Supporters argue that evolving election tactics demand updated protections, especially after recent controversies over deceptive campaign texts. While enforcement remains a challenge, legislators see this as a necessary step to uphold election integrity. The bill now heads back to the House, moving one step closer to becoming law.
Grant Coursey with the Bismarck Tribune has the story; bill details are included below.
HB 1204
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 16.1-10-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the publication of false information in political advertisements, and to provide a penalty.
House Sponsors: Schatz (R, District 39), Dressler (R, District 36), Fisher (R, District 5), Frelich (R, District 15), Meier (R, District 32), Toman (R, District 34),
Senate Sponsors: Luick (R, District 25), Van Oosting (R, District 36),
