H.C.R. No. 14 - Legislative Code of Ethics

• Adopts a comprehensive Legislative Code of Ethics for members and employees of both chambers of the 129th General Assembly, legislative agency employees, and candidates for the 130th General Assembly.

• Establishes conduct standards requiring members and employees to reflect credit on their chamber, obey all rules, and conform to the ethics code; prohibits conflicts of interest in voting on legislation when members have financial interests or business relationships with legislative agents.

• Requires financial disclosure statements for members and employees regarding gifts exceeding $75 per year (or $25 from legislative agents), travel expenses, and meal expenses exceeding $100 annually.

• Prohibits members from accepting compensation for services before the General Assembly, receiving excessive gifts or meals from legislative agents, and soliciting or using confidential government information for personal profit.

• Creates procedures for the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee to receive complaints, investigate misconduct, hold hearings, and recommend sanctions ranging from reprimand to expulsion, with violations reported to prosecuting authorities and the Elections Commission as appropriate.