NC S156

Requires the Legislative Ethics Committee to provide immediate written notice to legislators when receiving complaints or initiating inquiries about their conduct.

Establishes different timeframes for Committee action based on whether General Assembly is in Regular Session (10 business days) or not (20 business days) before dismissing, investigating, or referring complaints.

Allows Committee to issue private admonishments without holding a hearing, subject to confidentiality requirements and possible future disclosure if similar unethical conduct occurs.

Permits Committee to make recommendations to the appropriate house without further investigation when the State Ethics Commission refers a matter or when Committee lacks jurisdiction over the alleged conduct.

Clarifies Committee's authority to interpret Article 120 and Chapter 138A (ethics laws) as applied to legislators, with interpretations binding upon publication.