Proposed Ballot Initiative Targets Lawmaker Public Records, Salaries, Conflicts

The Legislative Management Committee. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor staff) – Legislator communications, conflicts of interest and lawmaker pay and benefits are among the topics included in a proposed petition for a constitutional measure submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office on Friday.

The measure would make all communications between legislators relating to legislative business public records and subject to inspection on request.

It would also mandate lawmakers to disclose conflicts of interest during the legislative session. A conflict would need to be declared if any member has direct, unique, substantial or individual interest in a matter before the chamber.

Lawmakers who fail to declare their conflicts of interest, or falsely claim conflicts, could be prosecuted for misconduct, according to the ballot measure