ND HB1505

Legislators who disclose potential conflicts of interest before voting on bills are granted immunity from criminal prosecution for speculation or wagering on official action, extending protection to organizations they represent as agents

Reliance on informal or written guidance from the ethics commission executive director provides a legal defense for legislators in prosecutions arising from legislative votes, if acting in good faith

Appeals of ethics commission orders expanded to allow filing in Burleigh County district court or the county where the alleged violation occurred, in addition to the accused's county of residence

Confidentiality rules for ethics investigations restructured, with information remaining confidential until a final commission order is issued and affirmed by court if appealed; commission may share confidential information with entities having enforcement authority

Conflict of interest disclosure standard for legislators narrowed from "direct, unique, substantial, or individual interest" to "unique and individual interest," and the bill is declared an emergency measure for immediate effect