ND HB1442

Establishes a nine-member state ethics commission to investigate complaints of ethics violations and misconduct by legislators, executive branch officers, judges, candidates, lobbyists, and state employees under chapters 16.1-08.1, 54-05.1, and corruption-related criminal statutes.

Commission composition includes one member each appointed by the speaker of the house, house minority leader, senate majority leader, and senate minority leader, plus five members appointed by the governor (two from party chairman lists and three with judicial branch experience).

Members serve two-year terms beginning August 1 of odd-numbered years; the commission must meet within 30 days of receiving a written complaint and operates with investigative records kept confidential until investigation conclusion.

Commission may refer complaints to the attorney general or state's attorney for criminal prosecution and can request civil penalties up to $10,000 to cover investigation expenses against individuals found guilty of criminal offenses.

Legislative branch appropriations must provide sufficient funding to sustain commission operations; state officers and employees must cooperate with commission requests.