ND HB1204

Amends North Dakota Century Code section 16.1-10-04 to make publishing false, deceptive, or misleading political advertisements or news releases a class A misdemeanor when done knowingly or with reckless disregard for truth

Expands covered communication methods to explicitly include text messages, telephone calls, social media, websites, and electronic transmission alongside traditional media like radio, television, newspapers, and print materials

Applies to political content concerning candidates, initiated measures, referred measures, constitutional amendments, or any ballot question, whether supporting or opposing

Exempts newspapers, television stations, radio stations, and other commercial media outlets that distribute but are not the source of the political advertisement or news release

Passed the House 77-14 and Senate 45-1 during the 69th Legislative Assembly session beginning January 7, 2025