In a recent investigation by the North Dakota Monitor and ProPublica, it was revealed that the Ethics Commission in North Dakota, established six years ago, has been hindered in its ability to investigate unethical conduct by public officials. The commission has not substantiated any of the 81 complaints it received and has dismissed most of them due to lack of investigative authority. Numerous tips go uninvestigated because formal complaints are required, and some complainants fear retaliation.
The Legislature, responsible for providing funding and oversight to the commission, has consistently given the agency less money than needed, leading to limitations and delays in investigations. Efforts to reform the ethics oversight body have been met with resistance from lawmakers, who have passed laws restricting the commission’s authority and investigative scope.
As the new legislative session begins, the Ethics Commission is pushing for the largest package of ethics-related legislation. Proposed reforms include allowing the commission to investigate alleged wrongdoing without an official complaint and to expedite investigations. However, lawmakers have pushed back against these changes, highlighting the ongoing struggle between those advocating for ethics reform and legislators resistant to oversight.
The commission’s slow progress in handling complaints against public officials, such as state Rep. Emily O’Brien, has raised concerns about its effectiveness in fostering ethical conduct in government. The need for increased transparency and authority for the Ethics Commission is becoming increasingly apparent, especially in a state where politics and the energy industry are closely intertwined. The uphill battle for ethics reform in North Dakota continues as advocates, led by groups like the BadAss Grandmas, fight for a more robust and effective oversight body.
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