Now or later? Disagreements emerge over how quickly to act on new North Dakota ethics rules
BISMARCK — Lobbyists who opposed adding anti-corruption language to the North Dakota constitution are urging lawmakers to quickly define the new rules to clear up any confusion about proper Capitol conduct, while the ballot measure’s supporters seek a slower approach.
The stark differences over implementing Measure 1 have been on display in the initial hearings convened at the state Capitol, where lawmakers have wrestled with clarifying the terms that voters recently carved into the state constitution.
“There’s great consternation about this,” said Fargo Democratic Sen. Tim Mathern, the sponsor of an implementation bill introduced with the support of Measure 1 backers. “And the best way to deal with that is to give people an opportunity to vent and to express their views.”
While Mathern maintains legislators should deliberate during the interim period between sessions because some constitutional provisions don’t go into effect right away, others said acting this session will give more immediate clarity to the public and policymakers.
Read more: https://www.inforum.com/news/government-and-politics/966676-Now-or-later-Disagreements-emerge-over-how-quickly-to-act-on-new-North-Dakota-ethics-rules