House Resolution No. 4 - Summary

• Establishes permanent procedural rules for the Delaware House of Representatives Ethics Committee to investigate and adjudicate allegations of violations of Rules of Legislative Conduct by House members.

• Creates a two-phase process: preliminary inquiry by the Ethics Committee to determine if violations occurred, followed by disciplinary hearings if allegations merit further action.

• Requires complaints to be filed in writing under oath by House members only, with supporting documents and clear identification of alleged violations and specific rules violated.

• Authorizes the Ethics Committee and House to impose sanctions including suspension, expulsion, censure, reprimand, fines, or other appropriate penalties, with suspension or expulsion requiring a two-thirds majority vote.

• Grants respondents procedural protections including the right to present statements, cross-examine witnesses, request evidence disclosure, receive exculpatory information, and appeal Committee dismissals to the full House by member petition and majority vote.