CT SB01197

Establishes a legislative code of conduct requiring each General Assembly member to comply with the Code of Ethics for Public Officials, serve constituents diligently, treat all persons with fairness and respect, and consider whether their conduct impairs their ability to perform legislative duties with integrity (effective October 1, 2011).

Creates separate bipartisan ethics committees in the Senate and House of Representatives, each consisting of six members with three appointed by the minority party leadership, to investigate misconduct complaints filed by members (effective upon passage).

Defines "misconduct" as convictions or findings of substantial violations of election or ethics laws, or legal wrongs that materially impair a member's ability to perform duties or substantially undermine public trust in the legislature.

Establishes a two-stage investigation process: confidential preliminary investigations leading to dismissal or probable cause findings, followed by public full investigations concluding with committee recommendations for expulsion, censure, reprimand, or no action.

Requires the full Senate or House of Representatives to vote on ethics committee recommendations within ten days, allows the accused member to be represented by counsel and appear before the committee, and requires four affirmative votes for all committee decisions.