JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Both the Democratic and Republican bills to enact North Dakota’s so-called “Measure 1” amendment will be heard in committee Wednesday afternoon.

Both bills are in response to the constitutional amendment passed by voters in November’s election aimed at cracking down on unethical behavior in state government.

House Majority Leader Chet Pollert (R – Carrington) is the House sponsor of the bill (HB 1521). The bill will define what it means to be a lobbyist, what is considered a political gift, and how ethical behavior should be addressed at the capital, among other topics. He believes the Republican’s bill will support the public when they come to Bismarck to voice their concerns on a bill.

Both the Democratic and Republican bills define and address ethical behavior in the Legislature. Pollert says his bill does just that.

Pollert’s bill will be heard in the House Ethics Committee Wednesday at 3:30 PM. The opposing bill, HB 2148 introduced by Senator Tim Mathern (D – Fargo), will also be heard in committee at 2 PM.