North Dakota · 69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) · Bill
HB 1277: A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-03 and two new sections to chapter 54-66 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to immunity from criminal prosecution and an affirmative defense for individuals voting on legislation, closure of a matter and issuance of guidance by the ethics commission, and the discretionary referral of an investigation to an outside attorney or investigator by the ethics commission's executive director; to amend and reenact sections 12.1-13-02 and 54-66-01, subsection 2 of section 54-66-04, and sections 54-66-12 and 54-66-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to immunity from criminal prosecution when adhering to legislative rules, definitions related to state government ethics, confidential records related to an alleged violation of an ethics law or rule, and conflicts of interest in the legislative assembly; to repeal sections 54-66-05, 54-66-06, 54-66-07, 54-66-08, 54-66-09, and 54-66-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the complaint process of the ethics commission; and to declare an emergency.
Introduced Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 1277 is a bill introduced in the North Dakota House on January 13, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-03 and two new sections to chapter 54-66 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to immunity from criminal prosecution and an affirmative defense for individuals voting on legislation, closure of a matter and issuance of guidance by the ethics commission, and the discretionary referral of an investigation to an outside attorney or investigator by the ethics commission's executive director; to amend and reenact sections 12.1-13-02 and 54-66-01, subsection 2 of section 54-66-04, and sections 54-66-12 and 54-66-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to immunity from criminal prosecution when adhering to legislative rules, definitions related to state government ethics, confidential records related to an alleged violation of an ethics law or rule, and conflicts of interest in the legislative assembly; to repeal sections 54-66-05, 54-66-06, 54-66-07, 54-66-08, 54-66-09, and 54-66-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the complaint process of the ethics commission; and to declare an emergency. Primary sponsor: Mike Lefor (Republican). It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (January 15, 2025): Withdrawn from further consideration.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Relating to immunity from criminal prosecution and an affirmative defense for individuals voting on legislation, closure of a matter and issuance of guidance by the ethics commission, and the discretionary referral of an investigation to an outside attorney or investigator by the ethics commission's executive director; to amend and reenact sections 12.1‑13‑02 and 54‑66‑01, subsection 2 of section 54‑66‑04, and sections 54‑66‑12 and 54‑66‑18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to immunity from criminal prosecution when adhering to legislative rules, definitions related to state government ethics, confidential records related to an alleged violation of an ethics law or rule, and conflicts of interest in the legislative assembly; to repeal sections 54‑66‑05, 54‑66‑06, 54‑66‑07, 54‑66‑08, 54‑66‑09, and 54‑66‑10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the complaint process of the ethics commission; and to declare an emergency.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 2
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Lefor | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 37 |
| David Hogue | Co-sponsor | Republican | Senate | 38 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Withdrawn from further consideration
- Request return from committee
- Introduced, first reading, (emergency), referred Government and Veterans Affairs Committee