ND HB1324

Secretary of state has a maximum of 35 days to determine whether petition signatures are sufficient to place a measure on the ballot.

Secretary of state must conduct representative random sampling of petition signatures using questionnaires, postcards, telephone calls, personal interviews, or other accepted information-gathering techniques to validate signatures.

Secretary of state may reject a measure if the number of valid signatures is less than the required number, and this rejection is presumed lawful unless rebutted by clear and convincing evidence that the action was unlawful.

All violations of law discovered during the petition review process must be reported to the attorney general for prosecution.

"Clear and convincing evidence" is defined as proof that produces firm and abiding belief that it is highly probable the challenging party's proposition is true.