BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum has signed Senate Bill 2135 and is now seeking applicants for the Initiated and Referred Measure Study Commission created by the legislation.
During the 2017-2018 interim, the commission will study the process and cost of placing initiated and referred measures on the ballot in North Dakota and campaigning for or against such ballot measures. Members also will study the process used to place measures on the ballot in other states; whether the North Dakota Constitution or state law relating to initiated or referred measures should be amended; and the effects of out-of-state funding on the process and whether limits on such funding are necessary.
The commission will meet at least four times and must report its findings and any recommendations to Legislative Management by Sept. 1, 2018.
The 19-member commission will include seven citizen members appointed by the governor, one of whom must be a member of an association that represents employees and their interests.
Those interested in serving on the commission may fill out an online application form at www.governor.nd.gov/boards/AppForm.aspx. The application deadline is May 19.
A copy of SB 2135 can be found at www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/65-2017/documents/17-0399-10000.pdf. The act is effective through June 30, 2019.