DE HR4

Establishes formal procedures for the House Ethics Committee to investigate alleged violations of Rules of Legislative Conduct by House members, including complaint filing requirements, preliminary inquiries, and disciplinary hearings

Complaints must be filed in writing under oath by a House member, identifying the respondent, specific rule violations, and supporting facts; respondents have 20 calendar days to respond with answers or motions

Creates a two-phase disciplinary hearing process: phase one determines whether violations occurred (requiring clear and convincing evidence), and phase two determines appropriate sanctions if violations are proven

Authorizes sanctions including suspension, expulsion (requiring two-thirds vote), censure, reprimand, fines, or other appropriate penalties determined by the Committee or House

Provides procedural protections for respondents including the right to counsel, subpoena power for witnesses and documents, access to evidence, and disclosure of exculpatory information