NY A05291

Creates a new Assembly Standing Committee on Ethics and Guidance with 8 members total: 4 appointed by the Speaker and 4 by the Minority Leader, with equal representation from majority and minority parties.

Committee holds jurisdiction over Assembly members and employees only, with two co-chairpersons (one designated by Speaker, one by Minority Leader) each receiving $12,500 annual compensation.

Grants committee authority to initiate investigations, subpoena witnesses, and impose disciplinary measures including censure, removal from leadership positions, or expulsion for violations of Assembly rules, ethics policies, or public officers law.

Requires all formal or informal complaints of conduct violations be reported to the committee within five days and reviewed at the next meeting, with committee determining by majority vote whether to investigate, defer to other authorities, or take no action.

Maintains confidentiality of all proceedings and records except for settlement terms involving fines or penalties and required annual reports summarizing complaint status and dispositions.