AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 16.1-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the secretary of state's duty to distribute educational and informational materials before an election; to provide an appropriation; and to provide an expiration date.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by David Hogue and 4 co-sponsors

Requires the Secretary of State to create and distribute objective educational materials on statewide measures to all active voters at least 45 days before elections, using a one-t

Filed with Secretary Of State 04/23

Title / Purpose

SB 2230 creates a new section in chapter 16.1‑01 of the North Dakota Century Code requiring the Secretary of State to produce and distribute objective, factual educational materials about statewide ballot measures to improve voter information before elections. The Act is temporary and expires June 30, 2027.

Key provisions

Secretary of State duty

For every statewide constitutional measure approved by the Legislative Assembly, and for every initiated measure or referendum placed on a statewide special, primary, or general election ballot, the Secretary of State must create objective, factual educational materials.
Materials must be distributed to each individual listed as an "active voter" (central voter file) not less than 45 days before the election.
Materials must also be posted at all voting locations.

Required content of materials

An objective summary of the measure;
The anticipated fiscal impact;
Whether the measure was approved by the Legislature or originated by initiative/referred petition;
An objective analysis of a vote in favor and a vote opposed.

Appropriation and funding

One‑time appropriation of $600,000 from the general fund to the Secretary of State for the 2025–2027 biennium (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027) to create and distribute the materials. The appropriation emphasizes accuracy, fairness, and readability.

Sunset

The Act is effective through June 30, 2027; it is ineffective after that date.

Who is affected

Secretary of State — new production and distribution responsibilities and use of one‑time funding.

Active voters in the central voter file — will receive mailed/otherwise distributed materials at least 45 days pre‑election.

Local election officials — required to post materials at all voting locations.

State budget — one‑time $600,000 general fund expenditure.

Procedural status / timeline

Introduced March 11, 2025 (sponsors: Senators Myrdal, Hogue, Meyer; Representatives McLeod, Rohr).

Passed both chambers (Senate vote 46–1; House vote 87–5).

Signed by the Governor April 22, 2025; filed with Secretary of State April 23, 2025.

Effective immediately upon enactment and remains effective through June 30, 2027.

Notes

The bill evolved in committee: earlier drafts set distribution at 35 days and appropriated smaller amounts; final language settled on 45 days, posting at voting locations, and a $600,000 one‑time appropriation.

Scope is limited to statewide ballot measures (constitutional measures, initiatives, referenda), not candidate or routine election materials.

Companion bills: HB 4661 and HB 1888.

Bill