Ethics Commission Adopts New Rules for Third-Party Paid Trips

(KNOX) – The North Dakota Ethics Commission has adopted new rules requiring some state officials to file forms when they take trips paid for by third parties.

The rules apply to all elected and appointed officials of the executive and legislative branch, including lawmakers, legislative employees, members of the Ethics Commission and the governor’s Cabinet.

The statements must include the purpose and dates of the travel, location, where funding for the trip came from and approximately how much money was spent. Disclosures are also required to include whether the funding covered “air transportation, ground transportation, lodging, meals, entertainment, or other activities.” If officials brought any immediate family members along, they must say how many.

The new rules, which take effect July 1, allow the commission the discretion to impose fees if officials don’t comply with the disclosure requirements. Officials must receive notice and an opportunity to respond before the commission may conclude someone has violated the rules.

The rules also establish penalties for violators, with the fees for late, incorrect or incomplete filings ranging from $25 to $200.