North Dakota Senate Bill SB2318

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Report DNP: 2/9/23

Caption

Reporting of aggregate expenditures for political purposes; and to provide a penalty.

Impact

This bill has significant implications for state laws surrounding political funding and transparency in campaign financing. By clarifying the requirements for reporting and introducing new penalties for non-compliance, SB2318 seeks to bolster the integrity of electoral processes in North Dakota. Additionally, it mandates that candidates and political committees use dedicated campaign accounts, which should help mitigate the confusion between personal funds and campaign contributions.

Summary

Senate Bill 2318 aims to amend and reenact several sections of the North Dakota Century Code concerning the reporting of aggregate expenditures for political purposes. The bill introduces stricter requirements for candidates, candidate committees, and political parties regarding campaign finance disclosures. These changes emphasize transparency by requiring detailed reporting of contributions over $200, the name and mailing address of contributors, and the total amounts received during specified reporting periods, including pre-election and year-end statements.

Contention

While SB2318 supports the goal of increased transparency, it has sparked debate among lawmakers and political organizations. Proponents argue that such measures are necessary to hold political actors accountable and to safeguard the election process from undue influence by large contributions. On the other hand, critics argue that the increased reporting burden could disproportionately affect smaller candidates who may lack the resources to navigate the complex compliance requirements, potentially stifling competition in the electoral field.