As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Alleged violation" means a formal written allegation issued by a majority vote of the commission, which alleges a respondent engaged in an ethical violation.

2. "Anonymous complaint" means a complaint by an individual who does not provide the individual's name or contact information and who will not be considered a complainant for any purpose.

3. "Complaint" means a verbal or written allegation to the commission, which alleges: a. A lobbyist, public official, candidate for public office, political committee, or contributor has violated article XIV of the Constitution of North Dakota, North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-66, or another law or rule regarding transparency, corruption, elections, or lobbying; or b. A director, officer, commissioner, head, or other executive of an agency violated the commission's rules regarding quasi-judicial proceedings.

4. "Complainant" means an individual who, verbally or in writing, submits a complaint to the commission and is: a. A North Dakota resident; b. Subject to licensing by a state agency or other public official subject to the jurisdiction of the ethics commission; or c. A party to a quasi-judicial proceeding before a state agency or other public official subject to the jurisdiction of the ethics commission.

5. "Confidential complaint" means a complaint submitted through the confidential hotline or other methods designated by the commission as confidential.

6. "Ethical violation" means a violation of article XIV of the Constitution of North Dakota, North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-66, or another law or rule regarding transparency, corruption, elections, or lobbying.

7. "Executive director" is the individual appointed by the ethics commission as the executive director and authorized to carry out the duties and functions delegated by the ethics commission in these rules.

8. "Respondent" means: a. A lobbyist, public official, candidate for public office, political committee, or contributor who is alleged to have violated article XIV of the Constitution of North Dakota, North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-66, or another law or rule regarding transparency, corruption, elections, or lobbying; or b. A director, officer, commissioner, head, or other executive of an agency who is alleged to have violated the commission's rules regarding quasi-judicial proceedings.

History: Effective June 17, 2020; amended effective July 28, 2021; April 1, 2024; April 1, 2026.