DE SR8

Establishes comprehensive procedural rules for the Delaware State Senate Rules & Ethics Committee to investigate and adjudicate allegations of ethics violations by senators under Senate Rule 17

Requires complaints to be filed in writing under oath by a Senate member (or House member/General Assembly employee for harassment violations), specifying the alleged violation with supporting facts

Creates a two-phase disciplinary hearing process: first phase determines whether violations occurred by preponderance of evidence before the Committee, second phase determines recommended sanctions

Authorizes sanctions including suspension or expulsion (requiring two-thirds vote), censure, reprimand, fines, or other appropriate penalties, with lesser violations potentially resolved through public or private warning letters

Mandates confidentiality of Committee proceedings until a final report is issued, while requiring public disclosure of documents once the Committee completes its review and delivers findings to the full Senate