Ethics Commission seeks public comment on proposed changes to complaint process

The Ethics Commission meets in the Sakakawea Room of the North Dakota Capitol in Bismarck on June 26, 2024. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

The Ethics Commission will host a hearing on proposed changes to its complaint process on Sept. 26.

The suggested amendments are minor — they mainly focus on streamlining and clarifying certain parts of the complaint procedure.

For example, the changes would extend the amount of time someone can appeal a decision by the board to dismiss a complaint from 20 days to 30 days.

It also sets a 30-day deadline for someone found in violation of an ethics violation to appeal the decision to district court.

Additionally, the proposed amendments would add a new section clarifying how the commission implements those deadlines.

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The hearing takes place at 9 a.m on Sept. 26 in Room 321 of the Capitol’s Judicial Wing in Bismarck. Members of the public can also attend over Microsoft Teams.

The commission is accepting comment on the amendments until Oct. 7.

The public can submit comments online on the commission’s website , via email to  ethicscommission@nd.gov or by mail to 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 195, Bismarck, ND 58505.

The Ethics Commission was created through an amendment to the North Dakota Constitution approved by voters in 2018. It enforces ethical behavior in certain parts of state government in the areas of lobbying, corruption, transparency and elections.

The commission is searching for a new board member to replace Chair Paul Richard, who is stepping down. Applications can be submitted online. The deadline to apply is Aug. 9.

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