ND HB1435

Attorney general may impose a civil penalty of five hundred dollars upon a member of a state governing body found in more than one opinion to have violated open meetings provisions of sections 44-04-19, 44-04-19.1, 44-04-19.2, 44-04-20, or 44-04-21.

Individuals may appeal civil penalty assessments by filing a written notice of appeal within twenty days after service of notice, with appeals processed under chapter 28-32.

Civil penalties collected must be deposited in the attorney general's refund fund.

Interested persons or entities must provide at least three working days' notice to the chief administrative officer before filing a civil action for attorney's fees or damages, except in cases of repeated violations where no prior civil penalty was collected.

Public servants who knowingly violate open records and open meetings requirements are guilty of an offense under section 12.1-11-06.