The North Dakota Senate has passed its version of enabling legislation to implement the voter-approved Constitutional measure on ethics.
The Senate bill establishes a five-member independent ethics commission. It also limits lobbyist gifts, prohibits candidates from spending their campaign money on personal items, and bans foreign money from state elections.
Sen. Jessica Unruh (R-Beulah) told the Senate she was a vocal opponent of the ballot measure. But she said it is now a part of the Constitution.
"We can and should allow the words of Article XIV to stand on their own," Unruh said. "Political courage often means we need to show restraint. And this bill takes that approach."
Unruh said the bill sets the framework and design to allow the new Ethics Commission to establish itself.
The measure passed unanimously.
The House has its own version of an ethics bill. The sponsors of the Constitutional amendment say they think the Senate version is closer to the amendment’s intent.