Image courtesy of U.S. House Office of Photography
Mary Steurer of the North Dakota Monitor first reported that Governor Kelly Armstrong challenged the North Dakota Ethics Commission’s proposed travel disclosure rules Monday, saying the agency is overstepping its authority.
The rules would require public officials to report details about trips paid for by third parties, with fines ranging from $25 to $5,000 for violations.
Armstrong supported transparency but wants due process protections for appeals. The Attorney General’s Office also objects, arguing the commission lacks authority to impose penalties and would violate separation of powers.
The commission says it has enforcement authority from the voter-approved amendment that created it. The rules aim to prevent corruption after recent travel-related scandals.
Comments