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HB 1157

Liquified petroleum gas; removing certain appointed position; modifying statutory references; effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rusty Cornwell and 1 co-sponsor

ND HB1157 requires candidates to keep campaign funds in dedicated non-interest-bearing accounts separate from personal funds to improve reporting and prevent commingling.

Vetoed 05/06/2025
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Bill Summary · HB 1157

Summary — HB 1157 (North Dakota version)

Note: Multiple states have bills numbered HB 1157 on different topics. This summary addresses the North Dakota bill titled “An Act to amend and reenact subsection 8 of section 16.1‑08.1‑02.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to candidates maintaining separate campaign accounts.”

Main purpose

To reduce commingling of campaign and personal funds and improve accuracy of campaign finance reporting by requiring candidates to keep campaign funds in dedicated, non‑interest‑bearing accounts that are separate from any personal bank accounts.

Key provision (text change)

  • Amends NDCC § 16.1‑08.1‑02.3(8) to require that:
    • “To ensure accurate reporting and avoid commingling of campaign and personal funds, candidates shall use dedicated non‑interest‑bearing campaign accounts that are separate from any personal accounts.”

The amendment replaces whatever prior language existed in subsection (8) with the requirement above.

Who is affected

  • Candidates for public office in North Dakota (and their campaign committees/treasurers).
  • Financial institutions that hold campaign accounts for candidates.
  • County/state election officials and auditors who review campaign finance reports.
  • Potentially vendors or counsel advising candidates on campaign compliance.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Administrative: Candidates must open and maintain at least one dedicated campaign account that is non‑interest‑bearing and distinct from personal accounts. This may require changes to existing banking arrangements and recordkeeping practices.
  • Transparency & enforcement: The change aims to make reporting clearer and reduce opportunities for improper personal use of campaign funds. The bill text does not, on its face, add new penalties or enforcement mechanisms beyond existing campaign finance law — enforcement would rely on current administrative or criminal provisions in campaign finance statutes unless other provisions elsewhere specify otherwise.
  • Fiscal: The bill does not include a fiscal note in the provided text. Costs would be minimal for state government; candidates or committees could incur small administrative or banking‑related costs.

Procedural status / timeline

  • Introduced: November 12, 2024 (North Dakota Legislative Assembly — 69th).
  • Sponsors (North Dakota version): Representatives Stemen, Bosch, Dockter, Grueneich, Hagert, Schauer; Senators Davison, Roers (per bill text).
  • Target statute: NDCC § 16.1‑08.1‑02.3(8).
  • Reported status (as provided): Second reading — failed to pass (yeas 15, nays 75). As of that action the measure did not advance.

Notes and open questions

  • The bill’s text is narrowly focused on account type (non‑interest‑bearing) and separation from personal accounts. It does not specify:
    • How many accounts are required,
    • Whether joint accounts with campaign staff are allowed,
    • Bank reporting or audit procedures beyond existing law,
    • An effective date (none provided in the excerpt).
  • If proponents wish stronger enforcement or clarity (e.g., sanctions, audit requirements, permissible exceptions), additional language would be needed.
  • Because the bill failed second reading, similar language could be reintroduced in a subsequent session or incorporated into another election/campaign finance bill.

If you want, I can:
- Draft suggested enforcement language or an amendment to clarify implementation (e.g., permitted account signatories, penalty structure, effective date), or
- Compare this proposal to current ND campaign finance rules and note specific statutory cross‑references for enforcement and reporting.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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