Bismarck N.D. - The North Dakota Ethics Commission is seeking additional feedback on amendments to proposed travel disclosure rules. The amended proposed travel disclosure rules are available on the Commission’s website: Amended Proposed Travel Disclosure Rules from November 2025.
On May 8, 2025, the North Dakota Ethics Commission began the rulemaking process for travel disclosure rules for public officials. A public hearing on the proposed travel disclosure rules was held on June 14, 2025. At its November 19, 2025 meeting, the Commission amended the proposed travel disclosure rules. To ensure the public has an opportunity to provide feedback on the amendments, the Commission is accepting additional input on the proposed travel disclosure rules through the Commission’s website: https://www.ethicscommission.nd.gov/public-input until December 14, 2025.
The Commission’s review of financial and travel disclosure requirements in 2023 revealed North Dakota lagged behind national standards. This year, the state made meaningful progress in strengthening financial disclosure laws. During the 2025 legislative session, the Commission collaborated with the Office of the Secretary of State and legislators on House Bill 1469. This legislation strengthens financial transparency by requiring public officials to file annual statements of interest with the Secretary of State and ensures the statements are easily accessible online. The Commission commends the leadership of Secretary of State Howe, the bill’s sponsors, and the Legislative Assembly in passing this important reform.
While financial transparency advanced considerably with HB 1469, travel disclosure remains an area in need of continued reform. Implementing the travel disclosure rules is one way the Commission can help restore trust and fulfill its constitutional duty to “strengthen the confidence of the people of North Dakota in their government, and to support open, ethical, and accountable government.”
The travel rules will require public officials to report all travel undertaken in their official capacity, excluding travel paid with the public official’s personal or campaign finances. The rules will also set penalties for noncompliance. For travel that is not required to be reported within a public official’s agency, the rules will require public officials to submit a travel disclosure statement on the Commission’s website. The statements will be publicly accessible and will include information on the purpose, destination, amount paid, and source of funds for the travel.
To review the amended proposed travel disclosure rules, please visit: Amended Proposed Travel Disclosure Rules from November 2025. Amendments adopted by the Commission on November 19, 2025 are highlighted in yellow.