HB 1141 North Dakota House · 69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 16.1-10-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to using public services or property for a political purpose.

HB 1141 would prohibit North Dakota government employees and officials from using public property (such as vehicles, buildings, or equipment) or public services (like employee time during work hours) for political activities. It defines "political purpose" broadly to include campaign ads, candidate endorsements, or using terms like "vote for" near elections, while exempting bona fide news coverage or public office duties. Violations could result in personal liability for officials or complaints filed with the ethics commission, which may refer criminal cases to prosecutors. The bill aims to prevent misuse of public resources for political gain during election periods.

Bill status passed 2 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2025

House Failed

Feb 2025

Governor

Introduced Jan 7, 2025 Last action Feb 17, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

INTRODUCED → FIRST ENGROSSMENT · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renumbered from 25.0592.01000 to 25.0592.02000 and significantly restructured the definitions and enforcement provisions regarding the use of public funds for political purposes. The changes clarify that public funds cannot be used to endorse or oppose candidates or ballot measures, and establish a clear enforcement mechanism where the ethics commission can investigate violations and assess civil penalties up to $500.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to explicitly include private organizations using public funds collected from political subdivisions or state agencies, and added a specific definition for 'public funds' to clarify what resources are restricted.

TECHNICAL

Bill number changed from 25.0592.01000 to 25.0592.02000 and bill title updated to 'FIRST ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 1141'.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'public funds' to specify that funds received through taxation, appropriation, fees, grants, or other revenue sources are restricted when used to pay dues or contributions to private organizations.

ENFORCEMENT

Established that the ethics commission may investigate alleged violations and assess civil penalties of up to $500 against individuals or private organizations.

Removed provisions allowing the ethics commission to refer criminal conduct to the state's attorney and detailing the prosecution process by the state's attorney or attorney general.

REQUIREMENT

Restructured the prohibitions on using public funds to endorse or oppose candidates or ballot measures, clarifying that this applies to both individuals and private organizations using public funds collected from political subdivisions or state agencies.

Floor votes · House Feb 17, 2025

How they voted

39–49

Failed · 4 other

Total votes 92

Feb 17, 2025

D Democratic11

11 Nay

100% Nay

R Republican81

39 Yea 38 Nay 4

48% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 17, 2025

Vote failed

House Vote: fail (39-49-4)

house

Feb 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

lower

Feb 13, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported back amended, do not pass, placed on calendar 8 3 3

lower

Jan 27, 2025

Lower · Passed

Committee Hearing 10:00

lower

Jan 10, 2025

Committee

Rereferred to Industry, Business and Labor

lower

Jan 10, 2025

Lower · Passed

Request return from committee

lower

Jan 7, 2025

Introduced

Introduced, first reading, referred Political Subdivisions Committee

lower

1 primary · 9 co-sponsors