Download Zipped Introduced WordPerfect SJR003S02.ZIP
[Status][Bill Documents][Fiscal Note][Bills Directory]

Second Substitute S.J.R. 3

Senator John L. Valentine proposes the following substitute bill:


             1     
JOINT RESOLUTION ON ETHICS

             2     
COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

             3     
2010 GENERAL SESSION

             4     
STATE OF UTAH

             5     
Chief Sponsor: John L. Valentine

             6     
House Sponsor: David Litvack

             7      Cosponsors:
             8      J. Stuart Adams
             9      Curtis S. Bramble
             10      D. Chris Buttars
             11      Allen M. Christensen
             12      Gene Davis
             13      Margaret Dayton
             14      Brent H. Goodfellow
             15      Jon J. Greiner
             16      Lyle W. HillyardDavid P. Hinkins
Scott K. Jenkins
Patricia W. Jones
Peter C. Knudson
Daniel R. Liljenquist
Mark B. Madsen
Karen Mayne
Benjamin M. McAdams
Karen W. Morgan
Wayne L. NiederhauserRalph Okerlund
Luz Robles
Ross I. Romero
Howard A. Stephenson
Jerry W. Stevenson
Dennis E. Stowell
Stephen H. Urquhart
Kevin T. Van Tassell
Michael G. Waddoups              17     
             18      LONG TITLE
             19      General Description:
             20          This bill modifies the joint legislative rules that govern the receipt and review of an
             21      ethics complaint against a legislator.
             22      Highlighted Provisions:
             23          This resolution:
             24          .    establishes an Independent Legislative Ethics Commission;
             25          .    establishes membership for the commission;
             26          .    provides qualifications for membership;
             27          .    provides term periods and replacement procedures for a member of the commission;
             28          .    provides for the resignation, removal, or recusal of a member of the commission;


             29          .    provides per diem for commission members;
             30          .    provides procedures for calling a meeting of the commission;
             31          .    provides for an independent staff to assist the commission;
             32          .    specifies the grounds upon which an ethics complaint may be filed against a
             33      legislator;
             34          .    provides certain time and jurisdiction limitations on filing an ethics complaint;
             35          .    establishes a general outline of hearing procedures for reviewing an ethics
             36      complaint;
             37          .    provides the chair of the commission or an ethics committee with the authority to
             38      direct proceedings and make rulings;
             39          .    permits a majority of the commission or committee to overrule certain decisions of
             40      the chair;
             41          .    provides subpoena powers to the commission and committees;
             42          .    provides procedures for issuing a subpoena;
             43          .    defines actions that constitute contempt of the Legislature in relation to procedures
             44      established under these rules;
             45          .    provides procedures for enforcing findings of contempt of the Legislature;
             46          .    provides general procedures for the examination of a witness;
             47          .    establishes permitted and restricted communications by commission and committee
             48      members during the period that an ethics complaint is under review;
             49          .    establishes rules that govern the payment of attorney fees and costs;
             50          .    establishes conduct requirements for an attorney appearing before the commission
             51      or a committee;
             52          .     provides procedures for filing an ethics complaint, including:
             53              .    who may file a complaint;
             54              .    restrictions on dates for filing a complaint;
             55              .    the form of the complaint; and
             56              .    information required to be included in the complaint;
             57          .    prohibits any person from disclosing the existence or contents of an ethics
             58      complaint while the commission is reviewing the complaint with certain exceptions;
             59          .    requires a complaint to be filed with the Senate or House Ethics Committee;


             60          .    changes the title of an ethics committee cochair to vice chair;
             61          .    modifies provisions for the recusal of an ethics committee member;
             62          .    requires the chair and vice chair of the committee to review the complaint for
             63      technical compliance with filing rules;
             64          .    requires a new complaint to be filed if the original complaint fails to meet filing
             65      requirements;
             66          .    requires the chair and vice chair of an ethics committee to forward a complaint that
             67      meets the filing requirements to the Independent Legislative Ethics Commission;
             68          .    provides that the commission shall conduct the original review of each ethics
             69      complaint;
             70          .    provides that commission meetings and hearings shall be closed to the public;
             71          .    permits the commission or an ethics committee to dismiss allegations that have
             72      previously been heard by the commission or an ethics committee;
             73          .    provides procedures for the commission to schedule a meeting to review an ethics
             74      complaint;
             75          .    permits the accused legislator, referred to as the respondent, to file a response to the
             76      complaint;
             77          .    establishes procedures and requirements for filing a response;
             78          .    permits the commission to hold meetings on preliminary matters in relation to a
             79      complaint before holding the formal review of the complaint;
             80          .    provides that the scope of the committee's authority is limited to review of those
             81      allegations contained in the complaint;
             82          .    provides procedures for the commission's review of the complaint;
             83          .    permits the commission to consult on certain issues with commission staff outside
             84      of the presence of parties and their counsel;
             85          .    prohibits third party recording of commission meetings, except under limited
             86      circumstances;
             87          .    requires that all portions of the commission's meetings be recorded;
             88          .    provides procedures for storing a record of commission meetings;
             89          .    provides that recordings and records of commission meetings are to be classified as
             90      private records under the Government Records Access and Management Act;


             91          .    provides procedures for the commission's deliberations when reviewing an ethics
             92      complaint;
             93          .    provides standards of evidence and voting procedures to be used by the commission
             94      in determining whether each allegation in a compliant is proved or not proved;
             95          .    requires the commission to dismiss allegations that are not found to be proved;
             96          .    if one or more allegation is found to be proved, requires the commission to:
             97              .    refer the proved allegations to the Senate Ethics Committee or the House Ethics
             98      Committee; and
             99              .    prepare a recommendation, a modified complaint, and a modified response for
             100      public release and submission to the ethics committee for review;
             101          .    provides procedures for the ethics committee's review of allegations submitted by
             102      the commission;
             103          .    provides that committee meetings for review of the allegations submitted by the
             104      commission are subject to the Open and Public Meetings Act;
             105          .    permits the committee to close the meeting for discussion of certain matters;
             106          .    prohibits third party recording of committee meetings, except under limited
             107      circumstances;
             108          .    requires that all portions of the committee's meetings be recorded;
             109          .    provides procedures for storing a record of committee meetings;
             110          .    provides procedures for the committee's deliberations;
             111          .    provides standards of evidence and voting procedures to be used by a committee in
             112      determining whether each allegation referred to the committee by the commission is
             113      proved or not proved;
             114          .    requires a committee to dismiss allegations that are not found to be proved;
             115          .    requires a committee to publicly issue a finding and order on the allegations;
             116          .    if one or more allegation is found to be proved, requires the committee to:
             117              .    vote on a recommended consequence for the violation, including censure,
             118      expulsion, or denial of any of the respondent's rights or privileges; and
             119              .    refer the finding and order to the membership of the House or Senate; and
             120          .    makes technical changes.
             121      Special Clauses:


             122          This resolution provides an immediate effective date.
             123      Legislative Rules Affected:
             124      AMENDS:
             125          JR6-2-101
             126          JR6-2-102
             127          JR6-2-201
             128          JR6-3-101
             129          JR6-4-101
             130          JR6-4-102
             131          JR6-4-201
             132      ENACTS:
             133          JR6-2-103
             134          JR6-2-104
             135          JR6-2-301
             136          JR6-2-302
             137          JR6-2-303
             138          JR6-2-304
             139          JR6-2-305
             140          JR6-2-306
             141          JR6-2-307
             142          JR6-3-102
             143          JR6-4-103
             144      REPEALS AND REENACTS:
             145          JR6-2-202
             146          JR6-4-202
             147          JR6-4-203
             148          JR6-4-204
             149          JR6-4-301
             150          JR6-4-302
             151          JR6-4-303
             152          JR6-4-304


             153          JR6-4-305
             154          JR6-4-306
             155      REPEALS:
             156          JR6-4-205
             157          JR6-4-206
             158          JR6-4-207
             159          JR6-4-307
             160          JR6-4-308
             161          JR6-4-309
             162          JR6-4-310
             163     
             164      Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             165          Section 1. JR6-2-101 is amended to read:
             166     
CHAPTER 2. HOUSE AND SENATE ETHICS COMMITTEES

             167     
AND INDEPENDENT LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMISSION

             168     
Part 1. Membership, Meetings, and Staff

             169           JR6-2-101. Ethics Committees -- Membership.
             170          (1) There is established a Senate Ethics Committee and a House Ethics Committee.
             171          (2) The Senate Ethics Committee shall be composed of:
             172          (a) the chair and three additional [members] Senators appointed by the President of the
             173      Senate; and
             174          (b) the [cochair] vice chair and three additional [members] Senators appointed by the
             175      Senate minority leader.
             176          (3) The House Ethics Committee shall be composed of:
             177          (a) the chair and three additional [members] Representatives appointed by the Speaker
             178      of the House of Representatives; and
             179          (b) the [cochair] vice chair and three additional [members] Representatives appointed
             180      by the House minority leader.
             181          (4) [Members of the committees] A committee member shall serve a two-year [terms]
             182      term.
             183          (5) (a) If a [complaint is filed against any member of the respective ethics committees,


             184      the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House shall appoint another] member of an
             185      ethics committee is accused of wrongdoing in a complaint to be reviewed by the committee, or
             186      if a member of an ethics committee determines that he or she has a conflict of interest in
             187      relation to a complaint to be reviewed by the ethics committee, a member of the Senate or
             188      House [to] shall be appointed to temporarily serve in that member's place while the complaint
             189      is under review[.] as follows:
             190          (i) except as provided in Subsection (5)(a)(ii), the member shall be appointed by the
             191      person who appointed the member who is being temporarily replaced, consistent with
             192      Subsection (2), for a member of the Senate Ethics Committee, or Subsection (3), for the House
             193      Ethics Committee; or
             194          (ii) if the person designated to make the appointment under Subsection (5)(a)(i) is
             195      accused of wrongdoing in the complaint or determines that he or she has a conflict of interest in
             196      relation to the complaint, the appointment shall be made by:
             197          (A) the Senate majority leader, if the person designated is the President of the Senate;
             198          (B) the Senate minority whip, if the person designated is the Senate minority leader;
             199          (C) the House majority leader, if the person designated is the Speaker of the House; or
             200          (D) the House minority whip, if the person designated is the House minority leader.
             201          (b) The temporary committee member's term ends when the committee has concluded
             202      its review of the complaint.
             203          Section 2. JR6-2-102 is amended to read:
             204           JR6-2-102. Ethics Committee -- Meetings and Staff.
             205          (1) The Senate and House Ethics Committees shall operate as both standing and
             206      interim committees.
             207          (2) The committees shall meet as necessary, either as called at:
             208          (a) the discretion of the chair; or
             209          (b) by a majority vote of the committee.
             210          (3) A majority of the committee is a quorum.
             211          (4) The staff of [the committees] each committee consists of:
             212          (a) the director of the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel;
             213          (b) the Legislative General Counsel; and
             214          (c) any other [members of the] staff [of that office] designated by the director or the


             215      Legislative General Counsel.
             216          Section 3. JR6-2-103 is enacted to read:
             217          JR6-2-103. Independent Legislative Ethics Commission -- Membership.
             218          (1) There is established an Independent Legislative Ethics Commission.
             219          (2) The commission is composed of five persons, each of whom is registered to vote in
             220      this state, appointed as follows:
             221          (a) two members, who have served, but no longer serve, as judges of a court of record
             222      in this state, each of whom shall be nominated by the mutual consent of the President of the
             223      Senate and the Speaker of the House, and appointed by a majority vote of the President of the
             224      Senate, Speaker of the House, Senate minority leader, and House minority leader;
             225          (b) one member, who has served, but no longer serves, as a judge of a court of record
             226      in this state, nominated by the mutual consent of the Senate minority leader and the House
             227      minority leader, and appointed by a majority vote of the President of the Senate, Speaker of the
             228      House, Senate minority leader, and House minority leader;
             229          (c) one member, who has served as a member of the Legislature in this state no more
             230      recently than four years before the date of appointment, appointed by the mutual consent of the
             231      President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
             232          (d) one member, who has served as a member of the Legislature in this state no more
             233      recently than four years before the date of appointment, appointed by the mutual consent of the
             234      Senate minority leader and House minority leader.
             235          (3) A member of the commission may not, during the member's term of office on the
             236      commission, act or serve as:
             237          (a) an officeholder as defined in Section 20A-11-101 ;
             238          (b) an agency head as defined in Section 67-16-3 ;
             239          (c) a lobbyist as defined in Section 36-11-102 ; or
             240          (d) a principal as defined in Section 36-11-102 .
             241          (4) (a) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(a)(ii), each member of the commission
             242      shall serve a four-year term.
             243          (ii) When appointing the initial members upon formation of the commission, one
             244      member nominated by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of
             245      Representatives and one member nominated by the Senate minority leader and House minority


             246      leader shall be appointed to a two-year term so that approximately half of the commission is
             247      appointed every two years.
             248          (b) (i) When a vacancy occurs in the commission's membership for any reason, a
             249      replacement member shall be appointed for the unexpired term of the vacating member using
             250      the procedures and requirements of Subsection (2).
             251          (ii) For the purposes of this rule, an appointment for an unexpired term of a vacating
             252      member is not considered a full term.
             253          (c) A member may not be appointed to serve for more than two full terms, whether
             254      those terms are two or four years.
             255          (d) A member of the commission may resign from the commission by giving one
             256      month's written notice of the resignation to the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House,
             257      Senate minority leader, and House minority leader.
             258          (e) The chair of the Legislative Management Committee shall remove a member from
             259      the commission if the member:
             260          (i) is convicted of, or enters a plea of guilty to, a crime involving moral turpitude;
             261          (ii) enters a plea of no contest or a plea in abeyance to a crime involving moral
             262      turpitude; or
             263          (iii) fails to meet the qualifications of office as provided in this rule.
             264          (f) If a commission member is accused of wrongdoing in a complaint, or if a
             265      commission member determines that he or she has a conflict of interest in relation to a
             266      complaint, a temporary commission member shall be appointed to serve in that member's place
             267      for the purposes of reviewing that complaint using the procedures and requirements of
             268      Subsection (2).
             269          (5) (a) A member of the commission may not receive compensation or benefits for the
             270      member's service, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of the
             271      member's official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections
             272      63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             273          (b) A member may decline to receive per diem and expenses for the member's service.
             274          (6) (a) The commission members shall convene a meeting annually each January and
             275      elect, by a majority vote, a commission chair from among the commission members.
             276          (b) A person may not serve as chair for more than two consecutive years.


             277          Section 4. JR6-2-104 is enacted to read:
             278          JR6-2-104. Independent Legislative Ethics Commission -- Meetings -- Staff.
             279          (1) The Independent Legislative Ethics Commission shall meet for the purpose of
             280      reviewing an ethics complaint when:
             281          (a) except otherwise expressly provided in this title, called to meet at the discretion of
             282      the chair; or
             283          (b) called to meet by a majority vote of the commission.
             284          (2) A majority of the commission is a quorum.
             285          (3) (a) The Senate and the House of Representatives shall employ staff for the
             286      commission at a level that is reasonable to assist the commission in performing its duties as
             287      established in this chapter.
             288          (b) The Legislative Management Committee shall:
             289          (i) authorize each staff position for the commission; and
             290          (ii) approve the employment of each staff member for the commission.
             291          (c) Staff for the commission shall work only for the commission and may not perform
             292      services for the Senate, House of Representatives, or other legislative offices.
             293          Section 5. JR6-2-201 is amended to read:
             294     
Part 2. General Powers and Procedures

             295           JR6-2-201. Authority to Review Complaints -- Grounds for Complaint --
             296      Limitations on Filings.
             297          [The] (1) Subject to the requirements of this chapter, the Senate Ethics Committee
             298      [and], the House Ethics Committee [shall review and adjudicate any charges brought against a
             299      member of the Senate or House for acts that violate: (1) the Code of Official Conduct; or (2)
             300      any law, rule, regulation, or other standard of conduct applicable to the conduct of a member of
             301      the Senate or House in the performance of legislative responsibilities, if the conduct would
             302      reflect discredit upon the Senate or House as a whole.], and the Independent Legislative Ethics
             303      Commission are authorized to review an ethics complaint against a legislator if the complaint
             304      alleges:
             305          (a) a violation of the Code of Official Conduct as provided in JR6-1-102;
             306          (b) a conviction of, or a plea of guilty to, a crime involving moral turpitude; or
             307          (c) a plea of no contest or a plea in abeyance to a crime involving moral turpitude.


             308          (2) (a) For an alleged violation under Subsection (1)(a), the complaint must be filed
             309      within two years of the date that the action or omission that forms the basis of the alleged
             310      violation occurred or within two years of the date that the action or omission would have been
             311      discovered by a reasonable person.
             312          (b) For an alleged violation under Subsection (1)(b) or (1)(c), the complaint shall be
             313      filed within two years of the date that the plea or conviction that forms the basis of the
             314      allegation was entered.
             315          (3) (a) A complaint may not contain an allegation if that allegation and the general
             316      facts and circumstances supporting that allegation have been previously reviewed by the
             317      commission or an ethics committee unless:
             318          (i) the allegation was previously reviewed by the commission and dismissed without
             319      being referred to an ethics committee for review;
             320          (ii) the allegation is accompanied by material facts or circumstances supporting the
             321      allegation that were not raised or pled to the commission when the allegation was previously
             322      reviewed; and
             323          (iii) the allegation and the general facts and circumstances supporting that allegation
             324      have only been reviewed by the commission on one previous occasion.
             325          (b) If an allegation in the complaint does not comply with the requirements of
             326      Subsection (3)(a), the committee chairs, when reviewing the complaint under JR6-4-101, or the
             327      commission, shall summarily dismiss that allegation with prejudice.
             328          Section 6. JR6-2-202 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             329           JR6-2-202. General Powers -- Jurisdiction.
             330          (1) The commission and the committees have jurisdiction only over an individual who
             331      is currently serving in the Legislature.
             332          (2) The commission and the committees shall dismiss an ethics complaint if the
             333      respondent legislator resigns from the Legislature.
             334          Section 7. JR6-2-301 is enacted to read:
             335     
Part 3. General Provisions Governing Hearings on Ethics Complaint

             336          JR6-2-301. General Procedures for Conducting a Hearing on an Ethics
             337      Complaint.
             338          (1) In conducting a hearing on a complaint, the Independent Legislative Ethics


             339      Commission or the Senate or House Ethics Committee shall comply with the following process
             340      in the order specified:
             341          (a) introduction and instructions for procedure and process, at the discretion of the
             342      chair;
             343          (b) complainants' opening argument, to be presented by a complainant or complainants'
             344      counsel;
             345          (c) complainants' presentation of evidence and witnesses in support of allegations in
             346      the complaint;
             347          (d) consideration of motions to dismiss the complaint or motions for a directed verdict,
             348      as applicable;
             349          (e) respondent's opening argument, to be presented by the respondent or respondent's
             350      counsel;
             351          (f) respondent's presentation of evidence and witnesses refuting allegations in the
             352      complaint;
             353          (g) presentation of rebuttal evidence and witnesses by the complainants, at the
             354      discretion of the chair;
             355          (h) presentation of rebuttal evidence and witnesses by the respondent, at the discretion
             356      of the chair;
             357          (i) complainants' closing argument, to be presented by a complainant or complainants'
             358      counsel;
             359          (j) respondent's closing argument, to be presented by the respondent or respondent's
             360      counsel;
             361          (k) deliberations by the commission or committee; and
             362          (l) adoption of the commission's or committee's findings.
             363          (2) The commission or an ethics committee may, in extraordinary circumstances, vary
             364      the order contained in Subsection (1) by majority vote and by providing notice to the parties.
             365          (3) The chair may schedule the examination of a witness or evidence subpoenaed at the
             366      request of the chair or the committee under JR6-2-303 at the chair's discretion.
             367          Section 8. JR6-2-302 is enacted to read:
             368          JR6-2-302. Chair as Presiding Judge.
             369          (1) Except as expressly provided otherwise in this title, the chair of the Independent


             370      Legislative Ethics Commission and the chair of the Senate or House Ethics Committee is
             371      vested with the power to direct the commission or committee during meetings authorized by
             372      this title.
             373          (2) Unless expressly prohibited from doing so under this title, the commission or
             374      committee may overrule a decision of the chair by using the following procedure:
             375          (a) If a member objects to a decision of the chair, that member may appeal the decision
             376      by stating:
             377          (i) "I appeal the decision of the chair."; and
             378          (ii) the basis for the objection.
             379          (b) This motion is nondebatable.
             380          (c) The chair shall direct a roll call vote to determine if the commission or committee
             381      supports the decision of the chair.
             382          (d) A majority vote of the commission or committee is necessary to overrule the
             383      decision of the chair.
             384          (3) The chair may set time limitations on any part of a meeting or hearing authorized
             385      by this title.
             386          Section 9. JR6-2-303 is enacted to read:
             387          JR6-2-303. Subpoena Powers.
             388          (1) For all proceedings authorized by this title, the Independent Legislative Ethics
             389      Commission or the Senate or House Ethics Committee may issue a subpoena to:
             390          (a) require the attendance of a witness;
             391          (b) direct the production of evidence; or
             392          (c) require both the attendance of a witness and the production of evidence.
             393          (2) The commission shall issue a subpoena under this rule:
             394          (a) as required under JR6-2-305;
             395          (b) at the direction of the commission chair, if the chair determines that the testimony
             396      or evidence is relevant to the review of a complaint under Chapter 4, Part 2, Review of Ethics
             397      Complaint by the Independent Legislative Ethics Commission; or
             398          (c) upon a vote of a majority of the commission members.
             399          (3) An ethics committee shall issue a subpoena under this rule:
             400          (a) as required under JR6-2-305;


             401          (b) at the direction of the committee chair or vice chair, if the chair or vice chair
             402      determines that the testimony or evidence is relevant to review of a complaint under Chapter 4,
             403      Part 3, Review of Ethics Complaint by Ethics Committee; or
             404          (c) upon a vote of a majority of the committee members.
             405          (4) The Director of the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel shall issue
             406      a subpoena on behalf of an ethics committee when requested to do so by one of the persons or
             407      entities authorized to do so under Subsection (3).
             408          Section 10. JR6-2-304 is enacted to read:
             409          JR6-2-304. Contempt of the Legislature.
             410          (1) (a) The following actions constitute contempt of the Legislature in relation to
             411      actions and proceedings under this title:
             412          (i) disobedience to a direction of the commission chair;
             413          (ii) disobedience to a direction of an ethics committee chair;
             414          (iii) failure to answer a question during a hearing when directed to do so by:
             415          (A) the commission chair, unless the direction is overridden by the commission under
             416      JR6-2-302;
             417          (B) an ethics committee chair, unless the direction is overridden by the committee
             418      under JR6-2-302; or
             419          (C) a majority of the commission or committee; or
             420          (iv) failure to comply with a subpoena or other order issued under authority of this
             421      title;
             422          (v) violation of privacy provisions established by JR6-3-102;
             423          (vi) violation of the communication provisions established by JR6-2-306;
             424          (vii) violation of a request to comply with a provision of this title by a chair or a
             425      majority of the members of the commission or committee; or
             426          (viii) any other ground that is specified in statute or recognized at common law.
             427          (b) Because the purpose of the Fifth Amendment privilege not to incriminate oneself is
             428      to prevent prosecution for criminal action, it is improper for a witness to invoke the Fifth
             429      Amendment privilege if the witness cannot be prosecuted for the crime to which the witness's
             430      testimony relates.
             431          (2) (a) The following persons may authorize an enforcement action against a person in


             432      contempt of the Legislature under the provisions of this title:
             433          (i) the commission chair, subject to the provisions of JR6-2-302;
             434          (ii) members of the commission, by means of a majority vote;
             435          (iii) an ethics committee chair, subject to the provisions of JR6-2-302; or
             436          (iv) members of an ethics committee, by means of a majority vote.
             437          (b) In initiating and pursuing an action against an individual for contempt of the
             438      Legislature, the plaintiff shall comply with the procedures and requirements of Section
             439      36-14-5 .
             440          Section 11. JR6-2-305 is enacted to read:
             441          JR6-2-305. Testimony and Examination of Witnesses -- Oath -- Procedure --
             442      Contempt.
             443          (1) (a) The chair shall ensure that each witness listed in the complaint and response is
             444      subpoenaed for appearance at the hearing unless:
             445          (i) the witness is unable to be properly identified or located; or
             446          (ii) service is otherwise determined to be impracticable.
             447          (b) The chair shall determine the scheduling and order of witnesses and presentation of
             448      evidence.
             449          (c) The commission or committee may, by majority vote:
             450          (i) overrule the chair's decision not to subpoena a witness under Subsection (1)(a);
             451          (ii) modify the chair's determination on the scheduling and order of witnesses under
             452      Subsection (1)(b);
             453          (iii) decline to hear or call a witness that has been requested by the complainant or
             454      respondent;
             455          (iv) decline to review or consider evidence submitted in relation to an ethics complaint;
             456      or
             457          (v) request and subpoena witnesses or evidence according to the procedures of
             458      JR6-2-303.
             459          (2) (a) Each witness shall testify under oath.
             460          (b) The chair or the chair's designee shall administer the oath to each witness.
             461          (3) After the oath has been administered to the witness, the chair shall direct testimony
             462      as follows:


             463          (a) allow the party that has called the witness, or that party's counsel, to question the
             464      witness;
             465          (b) allow the opposing party, or that party's counsel, to cross-examine the witness;
             466          (c) allow additional questioning by a party or a party's counsel as appropriate;
             467          (d) give commission or committee members the opportunity to question the witness;
             468      and
             469          (e) as appropriate, allow further examination of the witness by the commission or
             470      committee, or the parties or their counsel.
             471          (4) (a) If the witness, a party, or a party's counsel objects to a question, the chair shall:
             472          (i) direct the witness to answer; or
             473          (ii) rule that the witness is not required to answer the question.
             474          (b) If the witness declines to answer a question after the chair or a majority of the
             475      commission or committee determines that the witness is required to answer the question, the
             476      witness may be held in contempt as provided in JR6-2-304.
             477          (5) (a) The chair or a majority of the members of the commission or committee may
             478      direct a witness to furnish any relevant evidence for consideration if the witness has brought
             479      the material voluntarily or has been required to bring it by subpoena.
             480          (b) If the witness declines to provide evidence in response to a subpoena, the witness
             481      may be held in contempt as provided in JR6-2-304.
             482          Section 12. JR6-2-306 is enacted to read:
             483          JR6-2-306. Communications of Commission and Committee Members.
             484          (1) As used in this section, "third party" means:
             485          (a) for a member of the Independent Legislative Ethics Commission, a person who is
             486      not a member of the commission or staff to the commission; or
             487          (b) for a member of an ethics committee, a person who is not a member of the
             488      committee or staff to the committee.
             489          (2) While a complaint is under review by the commission or an ethics committee, a
             490      member of that commission or committee may not initiate or consider any communications
             491      concerning the complaint with a third party unless:
             492          (a) the communication is expressly permitted under the procedures established by this
             493      title; or


             494          (b) the communication is made by the third party, in writing, simultaneously to:
             495          (i) all members of the commission or committee; and
             496          (ii) a staff member of the commission or committee.
             497          (3) (a) While the commission is reviewing a complaint under this title, a commission
             498      member may communicate outside of the meetings, hearing, or deliberations with another
             499      member of, or staff to, the commission, only if the member's communication does not
             500      materially compromise the member's responsibility to independently review and make
             501      decisions in relation to the complaint.
             502          (b) While a committee is reviewing a complaint under this title, a committee member
             503      may communicate outside of the meeting, hearing, or deliberations with another member of, or
             504      staff to, the committee, only if the member's communication does not materially compromise
             505      the member's responsibility to independently review and make decisions in relation to the
             506      complaint.
             507          (4) While a complaint is under review by an ethics committee, a member of the
             508      commission may not comment publicly or privately about the commission's decision,
             509      reasoning, or other matters relating to the ethics complaint, but may provide or refer a
             510      questioner to the commission's written recommendation.
             511          Section 13. JR6-2-307 is enacted to read:
             512          JR6-2-307. Attorney Fees and Costs.
             513          (1) A person filing a complaint under this title:
             514          (a) may, but is not required to, retain legal representation during the complaint review
             515      process; and
             516          (b) is responsible for payment of complainants' attorney fees and costs incurred.
             517          (2) (a) A legislator against whom a complaint is filed under this title:
             518          (i) may, but is not required to, retain legal representation during the complaint review
             519      process; and
             520          (ii) is responsible for that legislator's own attorney fees and costs involved, except as
             521      provided in Subsection (2)(b).
             522          (b) The Senate, for a Senator, or the House of Representatives, for a Representative,
             523      shall pay the reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred by a legislator against whom a
             524      complaint is filed under this title if:


             525          (i) the commission declines to recommend that any allegation in the complaint be
             526      reviewed by an ethics committee; or
             527          (ii) an ethics committee determines that none of the allegations in the complaint that
             528      were recommended for review by the commission have been proved.
             529          (3) (a) An attorney participating in a hearing before the commission or an ethics
             530      committee shall comply with:
             531          (i) the Rules of Professional Conduct established by the Utah Supreme Court;
             532          (ii) the procedures and requirements of this title; and
             533          (iii) the directions of the chairs, commission, and ethics committees.
             534          (b) Violations of Subsection (3)(a) may constitute:
             535          (i) contempt of the Legislature under JR6-2-304; or
             536          (ii) a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct subject to enforcement by the Utah
             537      State Bar.
             538          Section 14. JR6-3-101 is amended to read:
             539     
CHAPTER 3. FILING A COMPLAINT ALLEGING A

             540     
VIOLATION OF LEGISLATIVE ETHICS

             541           JR6-3-101. Ethics Complaints -- Filing -- Form.
             542          [(1) Any legislator who wishes to file an ethics complaint against another legislator
             543      shall file a written complaint:]
             544          (1) (a) The following individuals, who shall be referred to as the complainants, may
             545      file a complaint against an individual legislator if the complaint meets the requirements of
             546      JR6-2-201 and Subsection (1)(b):
             547          (i) two or more members of the House of Representatives, for a complaint against a
             548      Representative, provided that the complaint contains evidence or sworn testimony that:
             549          (A) sets forth facts and circumstances supporting the alleged violation; and
             550          (B) is evidence or sworn testimony of the type that would generally be admissible
             551      under the Utah Rules of Evidence;
             552          (ii) two or more members of the Senate, for a complaint against a Senator, provided
             553      that the complaint contains evidence or sworn testimony that:
             554          (A) sets forth facts and circumstances supporting the alleged violation; and
             555          (B) is evidence or sworn testimony of the type that would generally be admissible


             556      under the Utah Rules of Evidence; or
             557          (iii) two or more registered voters currently residing within Utah, if, for each alleged
             558      violation pled in the complaint, at least one of those registered voters has actual knowledge of
             559      the facts and circumstances supporting the alleged violation.
             560          (b) A complainant may file a complaint only against an individual who is serving as a
             561      member of the Legislature on the date that the complaint is filed.
             562          (2) (a) Complainants shall file a complaint with:
             563          [(a)] (i) [with the President of the Senate and] the chair and vice chair of the Senate
             564      Ethics Committee, if the complaint is against a [Senator] member of the Senate; or
             565          [(b)] (ii) [with the Speaker of the House and] the chair and vice chair of the House
             566      Ethics Committee, if the complaint is against a [Representative] member of the House of
             567      Representatives.
             568          (b) An individual may not file a complaint during the 60 calendar days immediately
             569      preceding:
             570          (i) a regular primary election, if the accused legislator is a candidate in the primary
             571      election; or
             572          (ii) a regular general election in which the accused legislator is a candidate, unless the
             573      accused legislator is unopposed in the election.
             574          [(2) (a)] (3) [The legislator filing the complaint shall ensure that it contains] The
             575      complainants shall ensure that each complaint filed under this rule is in writing and contains
             576      the following information:
             577          [(i)] (a) the name and position or title of the [person] legislator alleged to be in
             578      violation, who [is] shall be referred to as the respondent;
             579          [(ii)] (b) the name [and], address, and telephone number of [at least three Senators, if
             580      the respondent is a Senate member, or at least three Representatives, if the respondent is a
             581      House member, who are] each individual who is filing the complaint[, who are the complainant
             582      or complainants];
             583          [(iii)] (c) [the nature of the] a description of each alleged violation[;], including for
             584      each alleged violation:
             585          [(iv) subject to Subsection (1)(b), any facts alleged to support the complaint; and]
             586          [(v) all documents that support the complaint as an attachment to it.]


             587          (i) a reference to:
             588          (A) the section of the code of conduct alleged to have been violated; or
             589          (B) the criminal provision violated and the docket number of the case involving the
             590      legislator;
             591          (ii) the name of the complainant or complainants who have actual knowledge of the
             592      facts and circumstances supporting each allegation;
             593          (iii) the facts and circumstances supporting each allegation, which shall be provided
             594      by:
             595          (A) copies of official records or documentary evidence; or
             596          (B) one or more affidavits, each of which shall comply with the following format:
             597          (I) the name, address, and telephone number of the signer;
             598          (II) a statement that the signer has actual knowledge of the facts and circumstances
             599      alleged in the affidavit;
             600          (III) the facts and circumstances testified to by the signer;
             601          (IV) a statement that the affidavit is believed to be true and correct and that false
             602      statements are subject to penalties of perjury; and
             603          (V) the signature of the signer;
             604          (d) a list of the witnesses that the complainants wish to have called, including for each
             605      witness:
             606          (i) the name, address, and, if available, one or more telephone numbers of the witness;
             607          (ii) a brief summary of the testimony to be provided by the witness; and
             608          (iii) a specific description of any documents or evidence complainants desire the
             609      witness to produce;
             610          (e) a statement that each complainant:
             611          (i) has reviewed the allegations contained in the complaint and the sworn statements
             612      and documents attached to the complaint;
             613          (ii) believes that the complaint is submitted in good faith and not for any improper
             614      purpose such as for the purpose of harassing the respondent, causing unwarranted harm to the
             615      respondent's reputation, or causing unnecessary expenditure of public funds; and
             616          (iii) believes the allegations contained in the complaint to be true and accurate; and
             617          (f) the signature of each complainant.


             618          [(b) If any of the facts supporting the complaint are based upon the information and
             619      belief of the complainants, the complaint shall state that the facts are presented "upon
             620      information and belief" and give the basis for that information and belief.]
             621          Section 15. JR6-3-102 is enacted to read:
             622          JR6-3-102. Privacy of Ethics Complaints -- Contempt -- Enforcement of Finding
             623      of Contempt -- Dismissal.
             624          (1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b) or (c), a person, including the
             625      complainants, the respondent, commission members, a committee chair or vice chair, or staff to
             626      the commission or a committee, may not disclose the existence of a complaint, a response, nor
             627      any information concerning any alleged violation that is the subject of a complaint.
             628          (b) The restrictions in Subsection (1)(a) do not apply to:
             629          (i) a complaint or response that is publicly released by the commission and referred to
             630      an ethics committee for review under the procedures and requirements of JR6-4-204, and the
             631      allegations contained in the publicly released complaint or response; or
             632          (ii) the respondent's voluntary disclosure of a finding by the commission that no
             633      allegations in a complaint were proved, after that finding is issued by the commission under the
             634      procedures and requirements of JR6-4-204.
             635          (c) Nothing in this rule prevents a person from disclosing facts or allegations about
             636      potential criminal violations to law enforcement authorities.
             637          (2) A person who violates the provisions of Subsection (1)(a) is in contempt of the
             638      Legislature and proceedings may be initiated to enforce the finding of contempt using the
             639      procedures provided in JR6-2-304 and Section 36-14-5 .
             640          (3) If the existence of an ethics complaint is publicly disclosed during the period that
             641      the Independent Legislative Ethics Commission is reviewing the complaint, the complaint shall
             642      be summarily dismissed without prejudice.
             643          Section 16. JR6-4-101 is amended to read:
             644     
CHAPTER 4. PROCEDURES FOR REVIEWING ETHICS COMPLAINTS

             645     
Part 1. Initial Review of Ethics Complaint and Response

             646           JR6-4-101. Review of Ethics Complaint for Compliance with Form Requirements
             647      -- Independent Requirements for Complaint -- Notice of Complaint to Commission
             648      Members.


             649          (1) [(a)] Within five business days after receipt of [the] a complaint, the staff of the
             650      [committee] ethics committee receiving the complaint, in consultation with the committee
             651      chair and [cochair] vice chair, shall examine [each] the complaint to determine if it is in
             652      compliance with JR6-2-201 and JR6-3-101.
             653          [(b) (i)] (2) (a) If the chair and [cochair determine] vice chair determine that the
             654      complaint does not comply with JR6-2-201 or JR6-3-101, the chair shall return the complaint
             655      to the [complainants] first complainant named on the complaint with:
             656          (i) a statement detailing the reason for the non-compliance; and
             657          (ii) a copy of the applicable legislative rules [on ethics].
             658          [(ii) The] (b) If a complaint is returned for non-compliance with the requirements of
             659      this title, the complainants may [resubmit the] file another complaint if the new complaint
             660      independently meets the requirements of JR6-3-101, including any requirements for timely
             661      filing.
             662          [(c)] (3) If the chair and [cochair] vice chair determine that the complaint complies
             663      with [this title] the requirements of this rule, the chair shall:
             664          [(i)] (a) accept the complaint;
             665          [(ii)] (b) notify [each member] the chair and the staff of the [ethics committee]
             666      Independent Legislative Ethics Commission that the complaint has been filed and accepted;
             667      and
             668          [(iii)] (c) [provide each member of the ethics committee with a copy of] promptly
             669      forward the complaint[.] to:
             670          [(2) No committee member or staff may disclose publically any information received
             671      by the committee concerning any alleged violation until the member of the Senate or House
             672      charged in the violation has received the Summary of the Preliminary Inquiry required by
             673      JR6-4-206.]
             674          (i) the commission; and
             675          (ii) the legislator who is the subject of the ethics complaint via personal delivery or a
             676      delivery method that provides verification of receipt, together with a copy of the applicable
             677      legislative rules and notice of the legislator's deadline for filing a response to the complaint.
             678          Section 17. JR6-4-102 is amended to read:
             679           JR6-4-102. Meeting of the Independent Legislative Ethics Commission for


             680      Review of Complaint -- Procedures.
             681          [(1) Within 30 days after the complaint is accepted, the chair and cochair shall:]
             682          By no later than 10 calendar days after the day on which the complaint is accepted
             683      under JR6-4-101, the commission chair shall:
             684          [(a)] (1) schedule [an ethics committee] a commission meeting[; and] on a date no later
             685      than 60 calendar days after the date on which the committee chair and vice chair accept the
             686      complaint;
             687          [(b)] (2) place the [ethics] complaint on the agenda for consideration at that meeting
             688      [with the recommendation that:];
             689          [(i) the complaint be considered; or]
             690          [(ii) the complaint be dismissed because it fails to allege facts that constitute a
             691      violation.]
             692          [(2) (a) At the ethics committee meeting, the committee shall determine:]
             693          [(i) whether or not the alleged violation in the complaint is within the jurisdiction of
             694      the committee; and]
             695          [(ii) whether or not the complaint merits further inquiry.]
             696          [(b) The chair shall notify the complainants and respondent, in writing, of the
             697      determination made by the committee.]
             698          [(3) If the committee determines that the complaint merits further inquiry, the
             699      committee meeting shall become a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the alleged
             700      violation occurred.]
             701          (3) provide notice of the date, time, and location of the meeting to:
             702          (a) the members of the commission;
             703          (b) the first complainant named in the complaint; and
             704          (c) the respondent; and
             705          (4) provide a copy of the complaint to each member of the commission.
             706          Section 18. JR6-4-103 is enacted to read:
             707          JR6-4-103. Response to Ethics Complaint -- Filing -- Form.
             708          (1) The legislator that is the subject of the complaint may file a response to the
             709      complaint no later than 30 days after the day on which the legislator receives delivery of the
             710      complaint.


             711          (2) The respondent shall file the response with the commission and shall ensure that
             712      the response is in writing and contains the following information:
             713          (a) the name, address, and telephone number of the respondent;
             714          (b) for each alleged violation in the complaint:
             715          (i) each affirmative defense asserted in response to the allegation, including a general
             716      description of each affirmative defense and the facts and circumstances supporting the defense
             717      to be provided by one or more affidavits, each of which shall comply with the following
             718      format:
             719          (A) the name, address, and telephone number of the signer;
             720          (B) a statement that the signer has actual knowledge of the facts and circumstances
             721      alleged in the affidavit;
             722          (C) the facts and circumstances testified to by the signer;
             723          (D) a statement that the affidavit is believed to be true and correct and that false
             724      statements are subject to penalties of perjury; and
             725          (E) the signature of the signer;
             726          (ii) the facts and circumstances refuting the allegation, which shall be provided by:
             727          (A) copies of official records or documentary evidence; or
             728          (B) one or more affidavits, each of which shall comply with the following format:
             729          (I) the name, address, and telephone number of the signer;
             730          (II) a statement that the signer has actual knowledge of the facts and circumstances
             731      alleged in the affidavit;
             732          (III) the facts and circumstances testified to by the signer;
             733          (IV) a statement that the affidavit is believed to be true and correct and that false
             734      statements are subject to penalties of perjury; and
             735          (V) the signature of the signer;
             736          (c) a list of the witnesses that the respondent wishes to have called, including for each
             737      witness:
             738          (i) the name, address, and, if available, telephone number of the witness;
             739          (ii) a brief summary of the testimony to be provided by the witness; and
             740          (iii) a specific description of any documents or evidence the respondent desires the
             741      witness to produce;


             742          (d) a statement that the respondent:
             743          (i) has reviewed the allegations contained in the complaint and the sworn statements
             744      and documents attached to the response; and
             745          (ii) believes the contents of the response to be true and accurate; and
             746          (e) the signature of the respondent.
             747          (3) Promptly after receiving the response, the commission shall provide copies of the
             748      response to:
             749          (a) each member of the commission; and
             750          (b) the first named complainant on the complaint.
             751          Section 19. JR6-4-201 is amended to read:
             752     
Part 2. Review of Ethics Complaint by the Independent Legislative Ethics Commission

             753           JR6-4-201. Review of Ethics Complaint by the Independent Legislative Ethics
             754      Commission.
             755          (1) The scope of the [preliminary inquiry] Independent Legislative Ethics
             756      Commission's review is limited to the alleged violations stated in the complaint.
             757          [(2) (a) Only relevant or material evidence is admissible in the preliminary inquiry.]
             758          (2) (a) Before holding the meeting for review of the complaint, the commission chair
             759      may schedule a separate meeting of the commission for the purposes of:
             760          (i) hearing motions or arguments from the parties, including hearing motions or
             761      arguments relating to dismissal of a complaint, admission of evidence, or procedures;
             762          (ii) holding a vote of the commission, with or without the attendance of the parties, on
             763      procedural or commission business matters relating to a complaint; or
             764          (iii) reviewing a complaint, with or without the attendance of the parties, to determine
             765      if the complaint should be dismissed in whole or in part, by means of a majority vote of the
             766      commission, because it pleads facts or circumstances against a legislator that have already been
             767      reviewed by the commission or an ethics committee as provided in JR6-2-201.
             768          (b) Notwithstanding JR6-4-102, the commission may, by a majority vote, change the
             769      date of the meeting for review of the complaint in order to accommodate:
             770          (i) a meeting authorized under Subsection (2)(a); or
             771          (ii) necessary scheduling requirements.
             772          (3) (a) The commission shall comply with the Utah Rules of Evidence except where


             773      the commission determines, by majority vote, that a rule is not compatible with the
             774      requirements of this title.
             775          (b) The [chair's determination of] chair shall make rulings on admissibility [is final and
             776      may only be overruled by a majority vote of the committee] of evidence consistent with the
             777      provisions of JR6-2-302.
             778          [(3) At the beginning of the preliminary inquiry, in order to expedite the committee's
             779      investigation and to facilitate a rapid resolution of the matter, the committee cochairs and the
             780      respondent may agree in writing that the procedural requirements of Part 3, Disciplinary
             781      Hearing, are waived.]
             782          (4) (a) [The preliminary inquiry is] All meetings and hearings authorized in this part
             783      are closed to the public.
             784          (b) The [respondent and the respondent's counsel] following individuals may be
             785      present during the presentation of testimony and evidence to the [committee.] commission:
             786          [(c) Only Ethics Committee members and staff may be present during other portions of
             787      the preliminary inquiry.]
             788          [(5) Except for the official record, no camera or recording device may be brought in or
             789      used in the preliminary inquiry.]
             790          [(6) Upon consent of a majority of its members, the committee may permit any person,
             791      not compelled or invited, to appear and testify at a hearing or submit a sworn written statement
             792      of facts or other documentary evidence for incorporation into the record.]
             793          [(7) (a) The release of any testimony or other evidence presented at a closed hearing
             794      and the form and manner of that release shall be by a majority vote of all members of the
             795      committee.]
             796          [(b) Committee members and committee staff may not publicly disclose any other part
             797      of the preliminary inquiry.]
             798          (i) the complainants, except that no more than three complainants may be present at
             799      one time;
             800          (ii) complainants' counsel, if applicable;
             801          (iii) the respondent;
             802          (iv) the respondent's counsel, if applicable;
             803          (v) members of the commission;


             804          (vi) staff to the commission;
             805          (vii) a witness, while testifying before the commission; and
             806          (viii) necessary security personnel.
             807          (c) The complainants, respondent, and their respective counsel may be excluded from a
             808      portion of the meeting when the commission discusses administrative, procedural, legal, or
             809      evidentiary issues by:
             810          (i) the order of the chair, subject to override as provided in JR6-2-302; or
             811          (ii) a majority vote of the commission.
             812          (d) When the commission deliberates at the conclusion of presentation of testimony
             813      and evidence, the commission shall ensure that those deliberations are closed to all persons
             814      except for the members of the commission and commission staff.
             815          [(8)] (5) If a majority of the [committee] commission determines that a continuance is
             816      necessary to obtain further evidence and testimony [are necessary], to accommodate
             817      administrative needs, or to accommodate the attendance of commission members, witnesses, or
             818      a party, the [committee] commission shall:
             819          (a) adjourn and continue the [preliminary inquiry hearing] meeting to a future date and
             820      time after notice to the parties; and
             821          (b) establish that future date and time by majority vote.
             822          Section 20. JR6-4-202 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             823           JR6-4-202. Record -- Recording of Meetings.
             824          (1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), an individual may not use a camera or
             825      other recording device in any meeting authorized by this part.
             826          (b) (i) The commission shall keep an audio or video recording of all portions of each
             827      meeting authorized by this part.
             828          (ii) If the commission elects, by a majority vote, to release the commission's
             829      recommendation in a public meeting, the meeting may, upon a majority vote of the
             830      commission, be opened to cameras or other recording devices.
             831          (2) In addition to the recording required in Subsection (1), the chair shall ensure that a
             832      record of the meeting or hearing is made, which shall include:
             833          (a) official minutes taken during the meeting or hearing, if any;
             834          (b) copies of all documents or other items admitted into evidence by the commission;


             835          (c) copies of any documents or written orders or rulings issued by the chair or the
             836      commission; and
             837          (d) any other information that a majority of the commission or the chair directs.
             838          (3) Except for the recommendation prepared by the commission, which shall be either
             839      a private or public record as determined in JR6-4-204, any recording, testimony, evidence, or
             840      other record of a meeting authorized by this part is a private record under Section 63G-2-302
             841      and may not be disclosed.
             842          Section 21. JR6-4-203 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             843           JR6-4-203. Process for Making a Decision -- Deliberations.
             844          (1) After each party has presented a closing argument, the commission shall, at the
             845      direction of the chair, begin its private deliberations:
             846          (a) immediately after conclusion of the closing arguments; or
             847          (b) at a future meeting of the commission, on a date and time determined by a majority
             848      of the members of the commission.
             849          (2) (a) The chair of the commission shall conduct the deliberations.
             850          (b) Upon a motion made a commission member, the commission may exclude
             851      commission staff from all or a portion of the deliberations by a majority vote of the
             852      commission.
             853          (3) (a) During deliberations, for each allegation reviewed by the commission, each
             854      member shall determine and cast a vote stating whether the allegation is:
             855          (i) proven by a preponderance of the evidence; or
             856          (ii) not proven.
             857          (b) A verbal roll call vote shall be taken on each allegation and each member's vote
             858      shall be recorded.
             859          (4) (a) A count is not considered to be proven unless four of the five members of the
             860      commission vote that the count is proven.
             861          (b) A count that is not considered to be proven is dismissed.
             862          (c) (i) Before the commission issues its recommendation under JR6-4-204, the
             863      commission may, upon a majority vote, reconsider and hold a new vote on an allegation.
             864          (ii) A motion to reconsider a vote may only be made by a member of the commission
             865      who voted that the allegation was not proved.


             866          (5) At the conclusion of deliberations, the commission shall prepare its
             867      recommendations as provided in JR6-4-204.
             868          Section 22. JR6-4-204 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             869           JR6-4-204. Recommendations of Commission.
             870          (1) If the commission determines that no allegations in the complaint were proved, the
             871      commission shall:
             872          (a) issue and enter into the record an order that the complaint is dismissed because no
             873      allegations in the complaint were found to have been proved;
             874          (b) classify all recordings, testimony, evidence, orders, findings, and other records
             875      directly relating to the meetings authorized by this part as private records under Section
             876      63G-2-302 ;
             877          (c) provide notice of the determination, in a manner determined by a majority vote of
             878      the commission, to:
             879          (i) the respondent; and
             880          (ii) the first complainant named on the complaint; and
             881          (d) provide notice to a person named in Subsection (1)(c) that, under the provisions of
             882      JR6-3-102 and other provisions of this title, a person who discloses the findings of the
             883      commission is in contempt of the Legislature and is subject to penalties for contempt.
             884          (2) If the commission determines that one or more of the allegations in the complaint
             885      were proved, the commission shall:
             886          (a) if one or more allegations were not found to have been proven, enter into the record
             887      an order dismissing those unproven allegations;
             888          (b) prepare a written recommendation to the Senate Ethics Committee, if the
             889      respondent is a Senator, or to the House Ethics Committee, if the respondent is a
             890      Representative, that:
             891          (i) lists the name of each complainant;
             892          (ii) lists the name of the respondent;
             893          (iii) states the date of the recommendation;
             894          (iv) for each allegation that was found to be proven:
             895          (A) provides a reference to the code of conduct or criminal provision allegedly
             896      violated;


             897          (B) states the number and names of commission members voting that the allegation
             898      was proved and the number and names of commission members voting that the allegation was
             899      not proved;
             900          (C) at the option of those members voting that the allegation was proved, includes a
             901      statement by one or all of those members stating the reasons for voting that the allegation was
             902      proved, provided that the statement does not cite specific evidence, specific testimony, or
             903      specific witnesses; and
             904          (D) at the option of those members voting that the allegation was not proved, includes
             905      a statement by one or all of those members stating the reasons for voting that the allegation was
             906      not proved, provided that the statement does not cite specific evidence, specific testimony, or
             907      specific witnesses;
             908          (v) contains any general statement that is adopted for inclusion in the recommendation
             909      by a majority of the members of the commission;
             910          (vi) contains a statement referring the allegations found to have been proved to the
             911      appropriate ethics committee for review;
             912          (vii) states the name of each member of the commission; and
             913          (viii) is signed by each commission member;
             914          (c) direct staff to publicly release the recommendation, the complaint, and the
             915      response, subject to the redaction of any allegations that were dismissed by the commission;
             916      and
             917          (d) classify all other recordings, testimony, evidence, orders, findings, and other
             918      records directly relating to the meetings and hearings authorized by this part as private records
             919      under Section 63G-2-302 .
             920          (3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the commission may not release a
             921      recommendation during the 60 calendar days immediately preceding:
             922          (a) a regular primary election, if the accused legislator is a candidate in the primary
             923      election; or
             924          (b) a regular general election in which the accused legislator is a candidate, unless the
             925      accused legislator is unopposed in the election.
             926          (4) The commission shall ensure that a copy of the recommendation is made publicly
             927      available and promptly provided to:


             928          (a) the respondent, together with notice that the respondent may amend respondent's
             929      witness list as provided in JR6-4-301;
             930          (b) the first complainant named on the complaint, together with notice that the
             931      complainants may amend their witness list as provided in JR6-4-301; and
             932          (c) the chair and vice chair of the Senate Ethics Committee, if the respondent is a
             933      Senator, or the chair and vice chair of the House Ethics Committee, if the respondent is a
             934      Representative.
             935          (5) The commission shall ensure that, within five business days of the date of issuance
             936      of the recommendation:
             937          (a) the complaint and the response are redacted to remove references to those
             938      allegations found not to have been proven by the commission, if one or more allegations were
             939      found not to have been proven; and
             940          (b) the following documents are made publicly available and are provided to the chair
             941      and vice chair of the Senate Ethics Committee, if the respondent is a Senator, or the chair and
             942      vice chair of the House Ethics Committee, if the respondent is a Representative:
             943          (i) a cover letter referring the allegations contained in the edited complaint to the ethics
             944      committee for the committee's review;
             945          (ii) a copy of the edited complaint;
             946          (iii) a copy of the edited response; and
             947          (iv) a copy of the recommendation.
             948          Section 23. JR6-4-301 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             949     
Part 3. Review of Ethics Complaint by Ethics Committee

             950           JR6-4-301. Receipt of Recommendation from Independent Legislative Ethics
             951      Commission -- Scheduling of Ethics Committee Hearing -- Amendments.
             952          (1) Within five calendar days of the date that the chair of the Senate Ethics or House
             953      Ethics Committee receives the commission's recommendation as provided under JR6-4-204,
             954      the chair and vice chair of the committee shall:
             955          (a) schedule a committee hearing to review the complaint on a date no later than 30
             956      days after of the day on which the committee receives the recommendation; and
             957          (b) place the ethics complaint on the agenda for consideration at that hearing.
             958          (2) (a) The complainants may not amend the complaint.


             959          (b) The respondent may not amend the response.
             960          (c) The complainant and respondent may file with the committee, within 10 days of the
             961      date of issuance of the commission's recommendations, an amended list of witnesses and
             962      evidence that they wish to have subpoenaed by the committee.
             963          Section 24. JR6-4-302 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             964           JR6-4-302. Review of Ethics Complaint by Ethics Committee.
             965          (1) The scope of the committee's review is limited to the alleged violations found to
             966      have been proven by the commission, as pled in the edited complaint and the edited response
             967      provided by the commission.
             968          (2) (a) Before holding the hearing for review of the complaint as scheduled in
             969      JR6-4-301, the chair may schedule a separate meeting of the committee to:
             970          (i) hear motions or arguments from the parties, including hearing motions or arguments
             971      relating to dismissal of a complaint, admission of evidence, or procedures; or
             972          (ii) hold a vote of the committee, with or without the attendance of the parties, on
             973      procedural or committee business matters relating to a complaint.
             974          (b) Notwithstanding JR6-4-301, the committee may, by a majority vote, change the
             975      date of the hearing scheduled in JR6-4-301 in order to accommodate:
             976          (i) a meeting authorized under Subsection (2)(a); or
             977          (ii) necessary scheduling requirements.
             978          (3) (a) The committee shall comply with the Utah Rules of Evidence, except where the
             979      committee determines, by majority vote, that a rule is not compatible with the requirements of
             980      this title.
             981          (b) The chair shall make rulings on admissibility of evidence consistent with the
             982      provisions of JR6-4-202.
             983          (4) (a) A meeting or hearing held under this Chapter 4, Part 3, Review of Ethics
             984      Complaint by Ethics Committee:
             985          (i) is subject to the requirements of Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and Public Meetings Act;
             986      and
             987          (ii) may be closed by a majority vote of the committee, held in the public portion of the
             988      meeting, for:
             989          (A) any purpose permitted under Section 52-4-205 ;


             990          (B) the purpose of discussing legal, evidentiary, or procedural matters with the
             991      committee or staff; or
             992          (C) deliberations, as provided in JR6-4-304.
             993          (b) Only committee members, committee staff, and necessary security personnel may
             994      attend a closed meeting.
             995          (5) If a majority of the committee determines that a continuance of a meeting or
             996      hearing is necessary to obtain further evidence and testimony, to accommodate administrative
             997      needs, or to accommodate the attendance of committee members, witnesses, or a party, the
             998      chair or committee shall:
             999          (a) adjourn and continue the hearing or meeting to a future date and time; and
             1000          (b) establish that future date and time by majority vote.
             1001          Section 25. JR6-4-303 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             1002           JR6-4-303. Record -- Recording of Meetings.
             1003          (1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), an individual may not use a camera or
             1004      other recording device in any meeting authorized by this part.
             1005          (b) (i) The committee shall keep an audio or video recording of all portions of each
             1006      meeting authorized by this part.
             1007          (ii) If the committee elects, by a majority vote, to release the committee's finding and
             1008      order in a public meeting, that meeting may, upon a majority vote of the committee, be opened
             1009      to cameras or other recording devices.
             1010          (2) In addition to the recording required in Subsection (1), the chair shall ensure that a
             1011      record of each hearing or meeting is made, which shall include:
             1012          (a) official minutes taken during the meeting or hearing, if any;
             1013          (b) copies of all documents or other items admitted into evidence;
             1014          (c) copies of any documents, written orders, or written rulings issued by the chair or the
             1015      committee; and
             1016          (d) any other information that a majority of the committee or the chair directs.
             1017          (3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), all recordings, testimony, evidence,
             1018      and other records of meetings and hearings authorized by this part are public records.
             1019          (b) All recordings, minutes, and other records produced during a closed meeting
             1020      authorized under this part are classified as private records under Section 63G-2-302 .


             1021          Section 26. JR6-4-304 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             1022           JR6-4-304. Process for Making a Decision -- Deliberations -- Voting in Public
             1023      Meeting.
             1024          (1) After each party has presented a closing argument, the committee shall deliberate in
             1025      a closed meeting:
             1026          (a) immediately after conclusion of the closing arguments; or
             1027          (b) at a future meeting of the committee, on a date and time determined by a majority
             1028      of the members of the committee.
             1029          (2) The chair of the committee shall conduct the deliberations.
             1030          (3) During the deliberations, committee members may:
             1031          (a) discuss evidence and testimony;
             1032          (b) discuss and debate whether an allegation was proven or not proven;
             1033          (c) discuss and debate what actions should be taken or not taken against the respondent
             1034      in relation to each allegation;
             1035          (d) discuss and debate any other matter related to the allegations in the complaint that
             1036      is before the committee; and
             1037          (e) conduct, at the call of the chair or a majority of the members of the committee, a
             1038      non-binding straw poll on any matter related to the complaint.
             1039          (4) (a) Notwithstanding JR6-2-306, and except as provided in Subsection (4)(b), from
             1040      the time of completion of closing arguments through the time that the written finding and order
             1041      are publicly issued, a committee member may not discuss any of the following matters with any
             1042      other person outside of official committee deliberations:
             1043          (i) the substance or specifics of the allegations, testimony, or evidence of the complaint
             1044      under review;
             1045          (ii) a committee member's intended vote;
             1046          (iii) a committee member's recommendation for actions to be taken or not taken against
             1047      the respondent in relation to the complaint; or
             1048          (iv) any other non-administrative matter related to the complaint.
             1049          (b) During deliberations, committee members may privately consult with staff for the
             1050      purpose of discussing legal, evidentiary, or procedural matters.
             1051          (5) Deliberations shall continue until they are concluded or continued to another date


             1052      and time:
             1053          (a) at the direction of the chair, subject to JR6-2-302; or
             1054          (b) upon a motion approved by a majority of the committee members.
             1055          Section 27. JR6-4-305 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             1056           JR6-4-305. Vote on Allegations and Recommendations -- Public Meeting --
             1057      Standards -- Reconsideration.
             1058          (1) After conclusion of the deliberations, the committee shall meet in public and, for
             1059      each allegation reviewed by the committee, vote on whether the allegation is:
             1060          (a) proven by clear and convincing evidence; or
             1061          (b) not proven.
             1062          (2) For any count that has been voted as proven, the committee shall, by a motion
             1063      approved by a majority of the members of the committee, recommend one or more of the
             1064      following actions:
             1065          (a) censure;
             1066          (b) expulsion;
             1067          (c) denial or limitation of any right, power, or privilege of the respondent, if, under the
             1068      Utah Constitution, the Senate or House may impose that denial or limitation, and if the
             1069      violation bears upon the exercise or holding of any right, power, or privilege; or
             1070          (d) any other action that the committee determines is appropriate.
             1071          (3) Votes shall be taken by verbal roll call and each member's vote shall be recorded.
             1072          (4) A count is not considered to be proven unless a majority of the committee votes
             1073      that the count is proven.
             1074          (5) The committee, by a motion for reconsideration that is approved by a majority of
             1075      the committee, may reconsider and hold a new vote provided that:
             1076          (a) a motion to reconsider a vote on whether an allegation was proven or not proven
             1077      may only be made by a member of the committee who voted that the allegation was not proven;
             1078      and
             1079          (b) a motion to reconsider a vote recommending an action against the respondent may
             1080      only be made by a member of the committee who voted against the recommendation.
             1081          (6) A count that is not voted as "proven" by a majority of the members of the
             1082      committee is dismissed.


             1083          (7) The committee may close the meeting for the purposes of further deliberations,
             1084      subject to the requirements of JR6-4-304:
             1085          (a) at the direction of the chair, subject to override by the committee as provided in
             1086      JR6-2-302; or
             1087          (b) upon a motion approved by a majority of the members of the committee.
             1088          (8) After a final vote has been cast on each allegation and recommendation, the
             1089      committee shall prepare the finding and order as provided in JR6-4-306.
             1090          Section 28. JR6-4-306 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             1091           JR6-4-306. Finding and Order.
             1092          (1) (a) If the committee determines that no allegations in the complaint were proved,
             1093      the committee shall prepare a finding and order that:
             1094          (i) lists the name of each complainant;
             1095          (ii) lists the name of the respondent;
             1096          (iii) states the date of the finding and order;
             1097          (iv) for each allegation contained in the complaint:
             1098          (A) provides a reference to the code of conduct or criminal provision alleged to have
             1099      been violated; and
             1100          (B) states the number and names of committee members voting that the allegation was
             1101      proved and the number and names of committee members voting that the allegation was not
             1102      proved;
             1103          (v) order that the complaint is dismissed because no allegations in the complaint were
             1104      found to have been proved;
             1105          (vi) provide any general statement that is adopted for inclusion in the recommendation
             1106      by a majority of the committee members; and
             1107          (vii) states the name of each committee member.
             1108          (b) Each committee member shall sign the finding and order.
             1109          (2) (a) If the committee determines that one or more allegations in the complaint were
             1110      proved, the committee shall issue a finding and order that:
             1111          (i) lists the name of each complainant;
             1112          (ii) lists the name of the respondent;
             1113          (iii) states the date of the finding and order;


             1114          (iv) for each allegation contained in the complaint:
             1115          (A) provides a reference to the code of conduct or criminal provision alleged to have
             1116      been violated;
             1117          (B) states the number and names of committee members voting that the allegation was
             1118      proved and the number and names of committee members voting that the allegation was not
             1119      proved;
             1120          (C) if the allegation was not found not to have been proven, orders that the allegation
             1121      be dismissed; and
             1122          (D) if the allegation was found to have been proven, contains:
             1123          (I) a description of any actions that the committee recommended be taken;
             1124          (II) the number and names of committee members voting in favor of each
             1125      recommendation and the number and names of committee members voting against each
             1126      recommendation;
             1127          (III) at the option of those members voting in favor of a recommendation, a statement
             1128      by one or all of those members stating the reasons for making the recommendation; and
             1129          (IV) at the option of those members against a recommendation, a statement by one or
             1130      all of those members stating the reasons for opposing the recommendation;
             1131          (v) contains any general statement that is adopted for inclusion in the finding and order
             1132      by a majority of the committee members;
             1133          (vi) contains a statement directing that the finding be delivered to:
             1134          (A) for the Senate Ethics Committee, to the President of the Senate, the Senate
             1135      majority leader, and the Senate minority leader; or
             1136          (B) for the House Ethics Committee, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
             1137      the House majority leader, and the House minority leader; and
             1138          (vii) states the name of each committee member.
             1139          (b) Each committee member shall sign the finding and order.
             1140          (3) A copy of the finding and order shall be made publicly available.
             1141          (4) A written copy of the finding and order shall be provided to:
             1142          (a) the respondent;
             1143          (b) the first complainant named on the complaint; and
             1144          (c) any individuals required to receive a copy as stated in the finding and order.


             1145          Section 29. Repealer.
             1146          This resolution repeals:
             1147           JR6-4-205, Rights of the Respondent.
             1148           JR6-4-206, Record.
             1149           JR6-4-207, Process for Making a Decision -- Remedies -- Publication of Decision.
             1150           JR6-4-307, Disciplinary Hearing Process -- Phase 1, Adjudication Phase.
             1151           JR6-4-308, Disciplinary Hearing Process -- Phase II, Penalty Phase -- Remedies.
             1152           JR6-4-309, Announcement of Decision.
             1153           JR6-4-310, Records of Disciplinary Hearing.
             1154          Section 30. Effective date.
             1155          This resolution takes effect upon approval by a constitutional majority vote of all
             1156      members of the Senate and House of Representatives.


[Bill Documents][Bills Directory]