Indiana Code 2-2.2-3-5. Powers of ethics committee; requirements for complaint
(1) Act as an advisory body to the general assembly and to members on questions relating to possible conflicts of interest.
Terms Used In Indiana Code 2-2.2-3-5
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- in writing: include printing, lithographing, or other mode of representing words and letters. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
- President pro tempore: A constitutionally recognized officer of the Senate who presides over the chamber in the absence of the Vice President. The President Pro Tempore (or, "president for a time") is elected by the Senate and is, by custom, the Senator of the majority party with the longest record of continuous service.
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
- Verified: when applied to pleadings, means supported by oath or affirmation in writing. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
(3) Receive and hear any complaint that alleges:
(A) a breach of any privilege of the ethics committee’s house;
(B) misconduct of a member in the course of his or her official duties as a member of the general assembly; or
(C) a violation of the code of ethics.
(4) Obtain information with respect to a complaint filed under this section. The ethics committee may compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of relevant documents.
(5) Recommend whatever sanction is appropriate with respect to a particular member as will best maintain the trust, respect, and confidence of the public in the general assembly.
(6) Recommend legislation relating to the conduct and ethics of members.
(b) For a complaint to be considered by an ethics committee, the complaint must:
(1) describe the acts or omissions that are the basis of the complaint with reasonable particularity and in sufficient detail to make it clear to an individual of ordinary understanding the breach, misconduct, or violation that is the basis of the complaint;
(2) be submitted to the ethics committee (with a duplicate copy submitted to the speaker, if the subject of the complaint is a member of the house of representatives, or the president pro tempore, if the subject of the complaint is a member of the senate) in the form and in the manner provided in the rules of the chamber served by the ethics committee; and
(3) be in writing and verified.
As added by P.L.123-2015, SEC.2.