NC H172

Clarifies that the Legislative Ethics Committee must receive a signed and sworn allegation of unethical conduct by a legislator to initiate investigations, in addition to referrals from the State Ethics Commission or actions on its own motion.

Requires the Committee to provide immediate written notice to the legislator subject to an allegation or inquiry upon receipt of a complaint or referral.

Establishes different timeframes for Committee action based on legislative session: 10 business days when General Assembly is in Regular Session, and 20 business days at other times.

Authorizes the Committee to issue a private admonishment without holding a hearing, subject to confidentiality protections that allow disclosure if similar unethical conduct occurs later.

Clarifies that the Committee may interpret Article 14 of Chapter 120 and Chapter 138A of the General Statutes as applied to legislators (except the Lieutenant Governor), with interpretations binding upon publication.