Section 16.1-08.1-05 - Audit by secretary of state - Requested audits - Reports1. If a substantial irregularity is evident or reasonably alleged, the secretary of state may arrange an audit of any statement filed pursuant to this chapter, to be performed by a certified public accountant of the filer's choice, subject to approval by the secretary of state. If an audit of a statement arranged by the secretary of state under this subsection reveals a violation of this chapter, the candidate, political party, political committee, or other person filing the statement shall pay a fine to the secretary of state equal to two hundred percent of the aggregate of contributions and expenditures found to be in violation or an amount sufficient to pay the cost of the audit, whichever is greater. If an audit of a statement arranged by the secretary of state under this subsection does not reveal a violation of this chapter, the cost of the audit must be paid for by the secretary of state.2. If a substantial irregularity is reasonably alleged, the secretary of state may arrange an audit of any statement filed pursuant to this chapter, performed by a certified public accountant of the filer's choice, subject to approval by the secretary of state, upon written request by any interested party made to the secretary of state within thirty days following receipt of a statement by the secretary of state. The request must be made in writing, recite a substantial irregularity and a lawful reason for requesting an audit, and be accompanied by a bond in an amount established by the secretary of state sufficient to pay the cost of the audit. If an audit of a statement arranged by the secretary of state under this subsection reveals a violation of this chapter, the candidate, political party, or political committee filing the statement shall pay a fine to the secretary of state equal to two hundred percent of the aggregate of contributions and expenditures found to be in violation or an amount sufficient to pay the cost of the audit, whichever is greater, and the bond shall be returned to the person submitting it. If an audit of a statement arranged by the secretary of state under this subsection does not reveal a violation of this chapter, the cost of the audit must be satisfied from the bond filed with the secretary of state.3. An audit may not be made or requested of a statement for the sole reason that it was not timely filed with the secretary of state. An audit made or arranged according to this section must audit only those items required to be included in any statement, registration, or report filed with the secretary of state according to this chapter. The secretary of state may collect any payment obligation arising out of this section by civil action or by assignment to a collection agency, with any costs of collection to be added to the amount owed and to be paid by the delinquent filer. Any remaining moneys collected by the secretary of state after an audit is paid for under this section must be deposited in the state's general fund. This section does not apply to statements filed by candidates or candidate committees for candidates for county, city, or school district offices.Amended by S.L. 2023 , ch. 177( HB 1257 ), § 3, eff. 8/1/2023.Amended by S.L. 2017 , ch. 155( SB 2343 ), § 11, eff. 2/1/2018 and applicable for campaign years that begin after 12/31/2017.Amended by S.L. 2013 , ch. 172( SB 2299 ), § 16, eff. 8/1/2013.