ND HB1451

Creates new recordkeeping and reporting requirements for "covered persons" (those spending over $200 in an election cycle) to maintain tracing records identifying ultimate and true sources of funds contributing over $200 to political expenditures.

Requires covered persons to file statements with the Secretary of State within five days of first disbursing over $200 in traceable funds, disclosing fund controllers, tracing record keepers, and top contributors exceeding 50% of traceable funds.

Mandates political advertisements funded by traceable funds must disclose the names of the three ultimate and true sources providing the largest aggregate amounts of contributions during the election cycle.

Establishes enforcement mechanisms allowing the Secretary of State and private citizen complainants to investigate violations, with penalties of 2-3 times the monetary value of violations and potential attorney's fees for prevailing complainants.

Makes structuring or attempting to structure transactions to evade reporting requirements a Class A misdemeanor and allows resident taxpayers to file civil actions in district court to enforce the chapter's provisions.