Proposed ballot initiative targets lawmaker public records, salaries, conflicts
Legislator communications, conflicts of interest and lawmaker pay and benefits are among the topics included in a proposed petition for a constitutional measure submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office on Friday.
The measure would make all communications between legislators relating to legislative business public records and subject to inspection on request.
It would also mandate lawmakers to disclose conflicts of interest during the legislative session. A conflict would need to be declared if any member has a direct, unique, substantial or individual interest in a matter before the chamber.
The measure states that conflicted lawmakers would be excused from voting on the matter during committee meetings and on the chamber floor. It does provide an exception that would force the member to vote, if a quorum of the chamber would not be met otherwise.
https://northdakotamonitor.com/briefs/proposed-ballot-initiative-targets-lawmaker-public-records-salaries-conflicts/