DE SR7

Establishes comprehensive procedural rules for the Delaware State Senate to investigate and adjudicate ethics violations by Senate members under Senate Rule 17 regarding Rules of Legislative Conduct.

Creates two-stage process: Senate Rules & Ethics Committee conducts investigation and disciplinary hearing, then Senate holds separate disciplinary hearing with higher burden of proof (clear and convincing evidence vs. preponderance of evidence at committee level).

Committee can resolve complaints through dismissal, de minimis violation warnings, agreed dispositions, or formal charges; requires majority vote for most determinations and two-thirds vote for suspension/expulsion recommendations.

Provides respondent rights including 20-day response periods, ability to challenge committee member impartiality, access to evidence, witness testimony under oath, and detailed hearing procedures with transcription by certified court reporter.

Senate may impose sanctions including suspension, expulsion, censure, reprimand, fines, or other appropriate discipline; expulsion/suspension requires two-thirds vote while other sanctions require simple majority.