North Dakota House Bill HB1463

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23
• Report Pass: 2/9/23
• Engrossed: 2/13/23
• Refer: 2/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/24/23
• Enrolled: 4/3/23
• Vetoed: 4/10/23
• Passed: 4/19/23

Caption

Legislative voting requirements.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1463 would significantly impact the way votes are recorded and reported in public meetings across North Dakota. By enforcing that all nonprocedural votes are roll call votes, it aims to counteract any potential opacity in how legislative actions are taken. This move is expected to foster greater trust in governmental procedures, as residents would have the ability to see how their representatives vote on various issues.

Summary

House Bill 1463 seeks to amend and reenact section 44-04-21 of the North Dakota Century Code, particularly focusing on enhancing transparency in legislative voting requirements during public meetings. The bill mandates that all nonprocedural votes at public meetings be publicly recorded roll call votes, ensuring that the individual votes of governing body members are accessible to the public. This legislative change aims to increase accountability within government processes and promote openness in decision-making.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1463 appears generally positive, particularly among advocates for government transparency and accountability. Proponents argue that this legislation is a vital step towards ensuring that citizens have access to critical information regarding the actions of their elected officials. However, there may be some concerns among legislators about potential administrative burdens and workflows due to the requirement for more detailed vote recording.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the practical implications of the implementation of HB 1463. Some lawmakers may worry about the increased documentation and administration required to keep track of individual votes, which could lead to slight increases in time spent on legislative procedures. Additionally, discussions around whether the amendment might impact the efficiency of legislative processes could be points of debate, although proponents maintain that the benefits of transparency outweigh such concerns.