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DE HR4

Resolution

Status

Introduced

1/13/2009

Primary Sponsor

Richard Cathcart

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

145th General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Establishes permanent procedures for the Delaware House of Representatives Ethics Committee to investigate and adjudicate alleged violations of the Rules of Legislative Conduct by House members
  • Complaints must be filed in writing under oath by a House member, identifying the respondent, the specific rule violated, and supporting facts; respondents have 20 calendar days to answer or file motions
  • Creates a multi-phase process: preliminary inquiry to determine if violation merits investigation, issuance of Statement of Alleged Violation if warranted, and disciplinary hearing with evidentiary standards requiring "clear and convincing" proof
  • Authorizes sanctions including suspension, expulsion (requiring two-thirds vote), censure, reprimand, fine, or other appropriate penalties as determined by the Committee or House
  • Allows dismissed complaints to be reconsidered by the full House upon written petition approved by majority vote if any Committee members dissented from the dismissal decision

Legislative Description

Relating To Permanent Procedures Of The House Of Representatives Of The 145th General Assembly Of The State Of Delaware For Ethics Violations.

Last Action

Passed in House by Voice Vote

1/13/2009

Full Bill Text

No bill text available