AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the ethics commission; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.
Impact
The bill aims to bolster the ethical infrastructure of the state's governance by ensuring the ethics commission is adequately funded. The addition of financial resources and personnel is expected to enhance the commission's outreach, educate the public, and effectively handle complaints regarding unethical practices. Additionally, a legislative management study is mandated to explore the potential establishment of a rate structure to offset these operating expenses, which could inform future budgeting processes related to ethics administration.
Summary
SB2024, introduced during the Sixty-eighth Legislative Assembly of North Dakota, focuses on the funding and operational capability of the state's ethics commission. The bill proposes an appropriation of $1,138,242 to support the commission's activities for the biennium from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025. This funding includes provisions for operational expenses and the hiring of additional full-time equivalent positions, which is intended to strengthen the commission's ability to oversee ethical conduct among state officials and employees.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB2024 appears largely supportive among legislators, particularly those who prioritize transparency and accountability in government. Voting outcomes indicate a reasonably favorable stance towards the bill, with a majority of the Senate and House backing its provisions. Nevertheless, some opposition exists, largely focusing on concerns about fiscal responsibility and the necessity for increasing the commission's budget amid competing funding priorities within the state.
Contention
A notable point of contention in the discussions surrounding SB2024 involves the balance between necessary funding for ethical governance and the potential perceptions of increased governmental costs. As this bill incorporates one-time funding items, which are not intended to be included in the base budget for the following biennium, stakeholders are encouraged to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of these appropriations. The effectiveness of the ethics commission's augmented services in addressing the needs for governance reform remains a critical issue among lawmakers.
AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the veterans' home; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a report.
AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the department of financial institutions; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a legislative management study.
AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the office of the adjutant general; to provide an exemption; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a transfer; and to declare an emergency.
AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the department of corrections and rehabilitation; to authorize a line of credit; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a report; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an exemption.
The powers and duties of the state auditor and the salary of the state auditor; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.
A pay for success fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.
AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the North Dakota aeronautics commission; to provide an exemption; and to provide a statement of legislative intent.
The establishment of an educational reimbursement program; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an effective date.
AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the department of corrections and rehabilitation; to provide a statement of legislative intent; and to provide an exemption.