DE HR4

Establishes temporary procedures for the Delaware House of Representatives Ethics Committee to investigate and adjudicate allegations of violations of the Rules of Legislative Conduct by House members.

Complaints must be filed in writing under oath by House members only and must identify the alleged violator, specific violations with supporting facts, and attach relevant documents.

Ethics Committee conducts preliminary inquiry after determining complaint alleges facts constituting a violation, with respondent having opportunity to present statement; staff then prepares comprehensive report with recommendation for Committee action.

Respondent receives statement of alleged violations and has 20 calendar days to respond by answer or motion; Committee holds two-phase disciplinary hearing with burden of proof on staff to establish violations clearly and convincingly.

Committee may recommend sanctions including suspension, expulsion, censure, reprimand, fine, or other appropriate sanctions; House may consider dismissed complaints upon written petition by majority vote and conduct its own disciplinary hearing with similar procedures requiring two-thirds vote for suspension or expulsion.