Opinions

January 4, 2022Request:  How should the state’s share of revenue from wells located on reservation lands be allocated?Conclusion: The portion of the gross production and oil extraction tax revenue derived from oil and gas exploration and production within the exterior boundaries of the reservations and on trust...

December 22, 2022Request: Did the Billings County Commission violate the open meetings laws when a quorum met in a series of smaller gatherings without providing notice to the public?Conclusion: The Billings County Commissioners met individually with then North Dakota Department of Transportation Director Bill Panos and...

November 16, 2022Issued to:  Representatives Karla Rose Hanson and Zachary IstaRequest:  Does state or federal law preclude a defendant from disclosing a patient’s PHI?Conclusion:  Although a patient’s PHI may not be required to prove an affirmative defense in all cases, it is reasonable to anticipate...

October 17, 2022Issued to:         Butte Township Board of SupervisorsRequest:          Did the Butte Township Board of Supervisors violate the open meetings law by failing to properly notice meetings?Conclusion:     The Butte Township Board of Supervisors held special meetings on three dates in May and June 2021.  The...

October 17, 2022Issued to:         Pelican TownshipRequest:          Did the Pelican Township violate the open records laws when it denied a request for records citing pending litigation?Conclusion:     The Pelican Township received a request for records primarily concerning two township meetings during which decisions were made which led...

September 29, 2022Issued to:  Lewis & Clark Public School BoardRequest:  Did the Lewis & Clark Public School Board violate the open meetings laws by failing to provide notice of meetings?Conclusion:  The Lewis & Clark Public School Board received a request from an individual for notice of all future...