ND HB1295

Amends candidate contribution rules to require the secretary of state to arrange audits if they have substantial reason to believe a violation occurred, replacing mandatory civil penalty assessment.

Changes lobbyist gift penalty authority from the secretary of state to the ethics commission, which may assess civil penalties of up to two times the gift value for gifts worth $500 or more, or up to $1,000 for gifts under $500.

Transfers authority to assess campaign contribution delivery penalties from the secretary of state to the ethics commission, maintaining a $500 civil penalty for first violations and class B misdemeanor plus potential registration revocation for subsequent violations.

Declares the act an emergency measure effective immediately.