Bill Text: DE HR4 | 2023-2024 | 152nd General Assembly | Draft
Bill Title: Relating To Permanent Procedures Of The House Of Representatives Of The 152nd General Assembly Of The State Of Delaware For Ethics Violations.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-01-10 - Passed In House by Voice Vote [HR4 Detail]
Download: Delaware-2023-HR4-Draft.html
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SPONSOR: |
Rep. Schwartzkopf & Rep. Longhurst & Rep. Minor-Brown & Rep. Ramone & Rep. Yearick |
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4
RELATING TO PERMANENT PROCEDURES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 152ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE FOR ETHICS VIOLATIONS.
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 152 nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware that the Permanent Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives for ethics violations shall be as follows:
RULES OF PROCEDURE, ETHICS VIOLATIONS .
5. - Changes in Committee Rules
8. - Preliminary Inquiry and Statement of Alleged Violations
9. - Answers and Motions and Committee Action
10. - Disciplinary Hearings before the Committee
11. - Committee Recommendations
14. - Admissibility of Evidence
16. - Records of House Proceedings
18. - Consideration of Complaints by the House
23. - Admissibility of Evidence
RULES OF PROCEDURE, ETHICS VIOLATIONS.
Rule 1 - Scope and Authority .
These rules govern the procedures to be followed by the Ethics Committee and by the House in proceedings involving allegations of violations of the Rules of Legislative Conduct. So far as applicable, these rules and the Rules of the House of Representatives shall be the rules of the Ethics Committee which may prescribe additional rules not inconsistent therewith.
PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE ETHICS COMMITTEE.
Rule 2 - Meetings and Quorum .
(a) The Committee shall meet at the call of the Chair. Notice of a Committee meeting shall be given pursuant to the Rules of the House of Representatives.
(b) A quorum of the Committee consists of a majority of the members of the Committee.
(a) The Chair of the Committee shall, with the approval of the Committee, establish such procedures as in the Chair's judgment may be necessary to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of any testimony or other information received by the Committee or its staff.
(b)(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Committee, no information received by the Committee respecting any alleged violation by a member of the House of Representatives of any Rule of Legislative Conduct shall be disclosed to the public before the transmittal, under Rule 8 of these rules, to such member of a statement of alleged violation in connection with such violation. After the service of such a statement on the member:
(2) The statement and any other paper filed pursuant to Rule 8 respecting such violation shall be made available for public inspection at reasonable hours; and
(3) Any other paper filed with the Committee respecting such violation shall be made available as authorized by the Committee, except that no paper shall be made available if its disclosure would violate any law or regulation.
The Committee may adopt, by Resolution, any special procedures deemed necessary to a particular matter before the Committee. Copies of such special procedures shall be furnished to all parties and witnesses in the matter.
Rule 5 - Changes in Committee Rules .
The rules of the Committee other than these rules may be modified, amended or repealed by a vote of a majority of the Committee.
COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORITY.
(a) A complaint may be submitted to the Committee pursuant to subsection (c) of this rule and shall be in writing and under oath, setting forth in simple, concise and direct statements the following:
(1) The name and address of the party filing the complaint (hereinafter referred to as the 'complainant');
(2) The name of the member of the House of Representatives alleged to be in violation of a Rule of Legislative Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the 'respondent');
(3) A statement of each violation, identifying the Rule of Legislative Conduct alleged to have been violated, divided into counts with each violation representing a separate count; and
(4) The facts alleged to give rise to the violation. The facts supporting the complaint may be sworn to by any person. When facts are alleged upon the information and belief of the complainant, the complaint shall so state and set forth the basis for such information and belief.
(b) All documents in the possession of the complainant that are relevant to and in support of the allegations shall be appended to the complaint.
(c) A complaint may be filed only by a member of the House of Representatives (including a member of the Committee) and shall be transmitted directly to the Committee.
Rule 7 - Processing Complaints .
(a)(1) The Staff of the Committee shall examine each complaint submitted to the Committee for compliance with the Rules of the House of Representatives and any other applicable Committee rules.
(2) If the staff determines that a complaint does not comply with House and Committee rules, the complaint shall be returned to the complainant with a general statement that the complaint is not in compliance with such rules and a copy of such rules. A complainant may resubmit a complaint.
(3) If the staff determines that a complaint is in compliance with House and Committee rules, the complaint shall be filed with the Committee and a copy shall be transmitted to each member of the Committee.
(4) The Chair shall place the complaint on the Committee agenda for consideration, and shall schedule a Committee meeting as soon as practical thereafter.
a. The Committee shall consider the complaint and determine if the complaint should be
dismissed because it fails to allege facts which constitute a violation of a Rule of Legislative
Conduct or if the complaint merits further inquiry.
b. The decision under subparagraph A of this paragraph shall be transmitted in writing to the complainant and respondent.
(b)(1) If the Committee determines that the complaint fails to allege facts which constitute a violation of a Rule of Legislative Conduct, the Committee shall deliver to the House a report of the action taken and a brief statement of the reasons therefor.
(2) If there are no dissenting votes to the determination in paragraph (b)(1) of this rule the complaint shall be considered dismissed, and neither the Committee nor the House shall take any further action with respect thereto.
(3) If there are any dissenting votes to the determination in paragraph (b)(1) of this rule, the complaint shall be considered dismissed and neither the Committee nor the House shall take any further action with respect thereto provided that the Committee's determination shall be considered reversed and the investigation shall be pursued by the Committee upon the written petition of any member of the House filed with the Speaker and approved by the majority vote of the elected members of the House.
Rule 8 - Preliminary Inquiry and Statement of Alleged Violation .
(a)(1) If the Committee determines under Rule 7 that the allegation of a violation in a complaint filed with the Committee merits further inquiry, or if the Committee's determination in that regard is reversed by the House, the Committee shall conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine whether such violation occurred.
(2) In the preliminary inquiry:
a. The respondent shall have an opportunity to present to the Committee, orally or in writing, a statement respecting the allegations with respect to which the inquiry is being held ; and
b. The staff may interview witnesses and examine documents and other evidentiary matter; and
c. The Committee may order the testimony of witnesses to be taken under oath, in which event the oath may be administered by a member of the Committee or by any person authorized by a member of the Committee or any person authorized by law to administer oaths; and
d. The Committee may require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, documents and other things as it deems necessary to the conduct of the inquiry; and
e. Any probative evidence may be used.
(3) Upon the completion of the preliminary inquiry, the staff of the Committee shall prepare and transmit to the Committee a report containing a comprehensive summary of the information received in the inquiry; and may include in the report a recommendation for action by the Committee respecting the alleged violations which was the subject of the inquiry.
(b) If the Committee determines on the basis of the report of the Committee staff on the preliminary inquiry respecting an alleged violation that there is reason to believe that the violation occurred, the Committee shall direct the staff to transmit to the respondent a statement of alleged violation. A statement shall be divided into counts and each count shall relate to a separate violation and shall contain a plain and concise statement of the alleged facts of such violation, and include a reference to the provision of the Rule of Legislative Conduct alleged to have been violated.
(c)(1) If the Committee determines on the basis of the report of the Committee staff on the preliminary inquiry that there is no reason to believe that the violation occurred, the Committee shall deliver to the House a report of the action taken together with a statement of the reasons therefore.
(2) If there are no dissenting votes to the determination in paragraph (c)(1) of this rule, the complaint shall be considered dismissed and neither the Committee nor the House shall take any further action with respect thereto.
(3) If there are any dissenting votes to the determination in paragraph (c)(1) of this rule, the complaint shall be considered dismissed and neither the Committee nor the House shall take any further action with respect to the matter provided that the House shall consider the matter upon the written petition of any member of the House filed with the Speaker and approved by the majority vote of the members of the House.
(d) If any such proceeding is initiated in the House, the matter shall be prosecuted by the members of the Committee who dissented from the vote to dismiss the complaint. In such case, the dissenting members shall direct the Committee staff to transmit to the House and to the respondent, a statement of alleged violation as described in subsection (b) which shall be the basis of the House's consideration of the matter.
Rule 9 - Answers and Motions and Committee Action .
(a) If a statement of alleged violation is transmitted under Rule 8(b), the respondent shall have twenty (20) calendar days in which to respond. The response shall be by way of answer or motion, shall be in writing and signed by the respondent or his counsel, and shall be limited to the following:
(1) An admission or denial of, under oath, each count set forth in the statement plus any supportive evidence and any other relevant information which the respondent may desire to submit.
(2) An objection to any count in the statement on the grounds that it fails to state a fact which constitutes a violation of a Rule of Legislative Conduct.
(3) An objection to the jurisdiction of the Committee to consider the allegations contained in the statement.
(4) A motion for a bill of particulars.
(5) An objection to the participation of any member of the Committee in the consideration of the allegations contained in the statement on the grounds that such member cannot render an impartial or unbiased decision. The Committee member against whom the objection is made shall be the sole judge of his qualifications. A motion under this paragraph is not in lieu of an answer. Any motion submitted pursuant to this rule shall be accompanied by a memorandum of points and authorities. Except for good cause shown, no pleading or motion not described in paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subsection will be considered by the Committee and the Committee will not consider any answer or motion in such paragraphs which is submitted under this rule after the expiration of such twenty (20) calendar days.
(b) Within 10 calendar days after the receipt of any motion under subsection (a) of this rule, the Committee shall consider such motion. Notice of the decision of the Committee respecting such motion shall be furnished the respondent. When the Committee has acted on all motions submitted under paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) of subsection (a) of this rule, the respondent shall, in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this rule, submit, within 10 calendar days of the date of the last Committee action, an answer to each count in the statement not dismissed by the Committee.
(c) Failure to submit, within the applicable time period, an answer to a count of a statement which has not been dismissed by the Committee, shall constitute an admission to the violation alleged in the count.
(d) The Chair, in his discretion, may extend or shorten any time limitations imposed by this rule if he or she determines that the extension would facilitate a fair and complete inquiry or the shorter time is required because of special circumstances.
(e)(1) As soon as practical after the expiration of all applicable time limitations for action under subsections (a) and (b) of this rule, the Committee shall act, by the vote of a majority of the members of the Committee, to:
a. Hold a disciplinary hearing on the violation charged in the statement; or
b. Defer action on the statement, but only if there is a grand jury or judicial proceeding pending; or
(2) The respondent shall be notified in writing of action taken under paragraph (1) of this Subsection.
(f)(1) If the Committee votes to dismiss the statement, the Committee shall deliver to the House a report of the action taken together with a statement of the reasons therefor.
(2) If there are no dissenting votes to the decision in paragraph (f)(1) of this rule, the statement shall be considered dismissed and neither the Committee nor the House shall take any further action with respect thereto.
(3) If there are any dissenting votes to the decision in paragraph (f)(1) of this rule, the statement shall be considered dismissed and neither the Committee nor the House shall take any further action with respect to the matter provided that the House shall consider the matter upon the written petition of any member of the House filed with the Speaker and approved by a majority vote of the members of the House. If any such proceeding is initiated in the House, the matter shall be prosecuted by the members of the Committee who dissented from the vote to dismiss the statement. The statement shall be the basis of the House's consideration of the matter and the dissenting members shall cause a copy of the statement to be delivered to the House and served upon the respondent.
Rule 10 - Disciplinary Hearings before the Committee .
(a) A disciplinary hearing respecting a violation charged in a Statement of Alleged Violation shall be held by the Committee to receive evidence upon which to base findings of fact and recommendations, if any, to the House respecting such violation. A disciplinary hearing shall consist of two phases. The first phase shall be for the purpose of determining whether or not the count in the statement has been proved. The second phase shall be for the purpose of determining what action to recommend to the House with respect to any count found to have been proved.
(b) At a disciplinary hearing the Committee may require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, documents and any other things as it deems necessary. Depositions, interrogatories and sworn statements taken under Committee direction may be accepted into the Committee record.
(c) Prior to setting a date for a disciplinary hearing and issuing subpoenas for witnesses, the Committee shall resolve the scope and purpose of the hearing. A copy of this statement of scope and purpose shall be furnished to all witnesses. During the course of the hearing the Committee may expand or contract the scope in light of evidence received.
(d)(1) The order of phase one of a disciplinary hearing shall be as follows:
a. The Chair shall open the hearing by stating the Committee's authority to conduct the hearing, the purpose of the hearing and its scope.
b. Testimony from witnesses and other evidence pertinent to the subject of the hearing shall be received in the following order whenever possible, (i) witnesses and other evidence offered by the Committee staff, (ii) witnesses and other evidence offered by the respondent, and (iii) rebuttal witnesses.
c. Witnesses at a hearing shall be examined first by the Committee counsel or authorized staff member. The Committee members may then question the witnesses. The respondent or his counsel may then cross-examine the witnesses. Redirect and recross may be permitted in the Chair's discretion. With respect to witnesses offered by the respondent, a witness shall be examined first by the respondent or his counsel, and then may be cross examined by Committee counsel or authorized staff member. Committee members may then question the witness. Redirect and recross may be permitted in the Chair's discretion.
(2) Testimony of all witnesses shall be taken under oath. The oath shall be administered by the Chair or Committee member designated by him to administer oaths.
(e) At a disciplinary hearing the burden of proof rests on the staff with respect to each count to establish the facts alleged therein clearly and convincingly by the evidence that it introduces.
(f) The second phase of a disciplinary hearing shall consist of oral and/or written submission by counsel for the Committee and counsel for the respondent as to the sanction the Committee should recommend to the House with respect to any count of the Statement of Alleged Violation which has been proved. Testimony by witnesses will not be heard at phase two except by a vote of a majority of the Committee.
Rule 11 - Committee Recommendations .
(a)(1) As soon as practicable after the completion of the first phase of a disciplinary hearing respecting a Statement of Alleged Violation, the Committee shall consider each count contained in the statement and with respect to each count as originally drawn or as amended shall vote either to find that the count has been proved or to dismiss the count. A count shall not be proved unless at least a majority of the Committee vote for a motion that the count has been proved.
(2) If the Committee votes that a count has been proved, the Committee may, upon completion of the second phase of the disciplinary hearing, by a majority vote of the Committee, consider and vote on a motion that a recommendation be made to the House for appropriate action respecting the violation charged in such count.
(b) With respect to any violation with which a member of the House was charged in a count which the Committee has voted as proved, the Committee may include in its recommendations to the House one or more of the following sanctions:
(1) Suspension or expulsion from the House.
(5) Any other sanction determined by the Committee to be appropriate.
(c) The Committee report accompanying a recommendation to the House adopted by the Committee under paragraph (a)(2) respecting a violation charged in a count shall contain a statement of the evidence which supported the finding as to that count and a statement of the Committee's reasons for the recommendation as well as a statement of the Committee's reasons for finding that any count was not proved. The Committee shall cause a copy of the Committee's report and the Statement of Alleged Violation to be served upon the respondent. The statement shall be the basis of the House’s consideration of the matter.
(d)(1) If the Committee votes to dismiss all counts of a statement and there are no dissenting votes, the statement shall be considered dismissed and neither the Committee nor the House shall take any further action with respect thereto.
(2) If there are any dissenting votes to the determination in paragraph (d)(1) of this subsection, the statement shall be considered dismissed and neither the Committee nor the House shall take any further action with respect thereto provided that the House shall consider the matter upon the written petition of any member of the House filed with the Speaker and approved by a majority vote of all members of the House. If any such proceeding is initiated in the House, the matter shall be prosecuted by the members of the Committee who dissented from the vote to dismiss. The statement shall be the basis of the House's consideration of the matter and the dissenting members of the Committee shall cause a copy of the statement to be delivered to the House and served upon the respondent.
Rule 12 - Disclosure of Evidence .
Upon the request of a respondent, the Committee may permit the respondent to inspect, copy or photograph books, papers, documents, photographs or other tangible objects which the Committee intends to use as evidence against the respondent in a disciplinary hearing and which are material to the preparation of the defense of the respondent.
Rule 13 - Exculpatory Information .
If the Committee at any time receives any exculpatory information respecting a Statement of Alleged Violation against a member of the House of any law, rule, regulation or other standard of conduct, it shall forthwith make such information available to such member.
Rule 14 - Admissibility of Evidence .
(a) Any evidence that is relevant and probative shall be admissible in any hearing of the Committee, unless the evidence is privileged or unless the Constitution otherwise requires its exclusion. Objections going only to the weight that should be given to evidence will not justify its exclusion.
(b) The Chair or other member presiding at a hearing shall rule upon any question of admissibility at the hearing of testimony or evidence presented to the Committee. The Chair or other member presiding may limit the presentation of repetitious evidence. Rulings shall be final unless reversed or modified by a majority vote of the Committee members present.
(a) A subpoena to a witness to appear at a hearing shall be served sufficiently in advance of his scheduled appearance to allow him a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Committee, to prepare for the hearing and to employ counsel should he so desire.
(b) Except as otherwise specifically authorized by the Chair, no member of the Committee or staff shall make public the name of any witness subpoenaed by the Committee before the date of his scheduled appearance.
(c) Witnesses at hearings may be accompanied by their counsel for the purpose of advising them concerning their constitutional rights and to raise objections to the admissibility of testimony and evidence. Counsel for a witness other than the respondent shall not be permitted to engage in oral argument with the Committee. After a witness has testified, his counsel may submit to the Committee, in writing, any questions he wishes propounded to his client and any request for additional witnesses or other evidence. Such request may be granted at the Committee's discretion.
(d) The respondent may apply to the Committee for the issuance of subpoenas for the appearance of witnesses or the production of documents on his behalf. The application shall be granted upon a concise showing by the respondent that the proposed testimony or evidence is relevant and not otherwise available. The application shall be denied if not made at a reasonable time or if the testimony or evidence would be merely cumulative.
(e) Each witness appearing before the Committee shall be furnished a printed copy of the rules of the Committee.
PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE HOUSE .
Rule 16 - Records of House Proceedings .
All papers filed in the House with respect to a proceeding involving an allegation of a violation of a Rule of Legislative Conduct shall be made available for public inspection at reasonable hours except that no paper shall be made available if its disclosure would violate any law or regulation.
Rule 17 - Special Procedures .
The House may adopt by Resolution any special procedures deemed necessary to a particular matter before the House. Copies of such special procedures shall be furnished to all parties and witnesses in the matter.
Rule 18 - Consideration of Complaints by the House .
(a) If a Statement of Alleged Violation is served upon a respondent pursuant to Rules 8(c)(3), 9(f)(3), 11(c) or 11(d)(2), the respondent shall have 20 calendar days in which to respond. The response shall be by way of answer or motion, shall be in writing and signed by the respondent or his counsel, and shall be limited to the following:
(1) An admission or denial of, under oath, each count set forth in the Statement plus any supportive evidence and any other relevant information which the respondent may desire to submit.
(2) An objection to any count in the Statement on the grounds that it fails to state a fact which constitutes a violation of a Rule of Legislative Conduct.
(3) An objection to the jurisdiction of the House to consider the allegations contained in the Statement.
(4) A motion for a bill of particulars.
(5) An objection to the participation of any member of the House in the consideration of the allegations contained in the Statement on the grounds that the member cannot render an impartial or unbiased decision. The member of the House against whom the objection is made shall be the sole judge of his qualifications. A motion under this paragraph is not in lieu of an answer.
Any motion submitted pursuant to this rule shall be accompanied by a memorandum of points and authorities. Except for good cause shown, no pleading of motion not described in paragraphs (1) through (5) will be considered by the House and the House will not consider any answer or motion in such paragraphs which is submitted under this rule after the expiration of such 20 calendar days.
(b) As soon as practical after the receipt of any motion under subsection (a) of this rule, the House shall consider such motion. Notice of the decision of the House respecting such motion shall be furnished the respondent. When the House has acted on all motions submitted under paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) of subsection (a) of this rule, the respondent shall in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this rule, submit, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the last House action, an answer to each count in the statement not dismissed by the House.
(c) Failure to submit, within the applicable time period, an answer to a count of a statement which has not been dismissed by the House shall constitute an admission to the violation alleged in the count.
(d) The Speaker, in his discretion, may extend or shorten any time limitations imposed by this rule if he determines that the extension would facilitate a fair and complete inquiry or the shorter time is required because of special circumstances.
(e)(1) As soon as practical after the expiration of all applicable time limitations for action under subsections (a) and (b) of this rule, the House shall act, by the vote of the majority of the members, to:
a. Hold a disciplinary hearing on the violation charged in the statement; or
b. Defer action on the statement but only if there is a grand jury or judicial proceeding pending; or
c. Dismiss the statement or any counts thereof.
(2) The respondent shall be notified in writing of action taken under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
Rule 19 - Disciplinary Hearings .
(a) A disciplinary hearing respecting a violation charged in a Statement of Alleged Violation shall be held by the House to receive evidence respecting such violation. A disciplinary hearing shall consist of two (2) phases. The first phase shall be for the purpose of determining whether or not the counts in the statement have been proved. The second phase shall be for the purpose of determining what disciplinary action to take with respect to any count found to have been proved.
(b) At a disciplinary hearing the House may require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, documents and any other things as it deems necessary. Depositions, interrogatories and sworn statements taken under House direction may be accepted into the House record .
(c) Prior to setting a date for a disciplinary hearing and issuing subpoenas for witnesses, the House shall resolve the scope and purpose of the hearing. A copy of this statement of scope and purpose shall be furnished to all witnesses. During the course of the hearing the House may expand or contract the scope in light of evidence received.
(d)(1) The order of phase one of a disciplinary hearing shall be as follows:
a. The Speaker shall open the hearing by stating the House's authority to conduct the hearing, the purpose of the hearing and its scope.
b. Testimony from witnesses and other evidence pertinent to the subject of the hearing shall be received in the following order whenever possible, (i) witnesses and other evidence offered by the committee staff, (ii) witnesses and other evidence offered by the respondent, and (iii) rebuttal witnesses.
c. Witnesses at a hearing shall be examined first by the committee counsel or authorized staff member. Members of the committee may then question the witnesses. The respondent or his counsel may then cross-examine the witnesses. Redirect and recross may be permitted in the Speaker's discretion. With respect to witnesses offered by the respondent, a witness shall be examined first by the respondent or his counsel and then may be cross-examined by committee counsel or authorized staff member. Committee members may then question the witness. Redirect and recross may be permitted in the Speaker's discretion.
(2) Testimony of all witnesses shall be taken under oath. The oath shall be administered by the committee member designated by the Speaker to administer oaths.
(e) At a disciplinary hearing the burden of proof rests on the committee with respect to each count to establish the facts alleged therein clearly and convincingly by the evidence that it introduces.
(f) Phase two of a disciplinary hearing shall consist of oral and/or written submission by counsel for the committee and counsel for the respondent as to the sanction the House should impose with respect to any count of the Statement which has been proved. Testimony by witnesses will not be heard at phase two except by a vote of a majority of the House.
(g) The House by Resolution may establish rules by which members of the House other than members of the Ethics Committee may participate in a disciplinary proceeding before the House.
Rule 20 - Findings; Sanctions .
(a)(1) As soon as practicable after the completion of the first phase of a disciplinary hearing respecting a Statement, the House shall consider each count contained in the Statement and with respect to each count as originally drawn or as amended shall vote on a motion that the count has been proved. A count shall not be proved unless at least a majority of the House vote for a motion that the count has been proved. A count which is not proved shall be considered as dismissed by the House.
(2) If the House votes that a count has been proved, the House may upon completion of the second phase of the disciplinary hearing, by a majority vote consider and vote on a motion that any of the following sanctions be imposed respecting the violation charged in such count :
a. Suspension or expulsion from the House.
e. Any other sanction determined by the committee to be appropriate.
A member of the House may not be suspended or expelled from the House unless by a vote concurred in by two-thirds of the members.
Rule 21 - Disclosure of Evidence .
Upon the request of a respondent, the committee may permit the respondent to inspect, copy or photograph books, papers, documents, photographs or other tangible objects which the committee intends to use as evidence against the respondent in a disciplinary hearing before the House and which are material to the preparation of the defense of the respondent.
Rule 22 - Exculpatory Information .
If the Committee at any time receives any exculpatory information respecting a Statement of Alleged Violation against a member of the House of any law, rule, regulation, or other standard of conduct, it shall forthwith make such information available to such member.
Rule 23 - Admissibility of Evidence .
(a) Any evidence that is relevant and probative shall be admissible in any hearing before the House, unless the evidence is privileged or unless the Constitution otherwise requires its exclusion. Objections going only to the weight that should be given to evidence will not justify its exclusion.
(b) The Speaker or other member presiding at a hearing shall rule upon any question of admissibility at the hearing of testimony or evidence presented to the House. The Speaker or other member presiding may limit the presentation of repetitious evidence.
(a) A subpoena to a witness to appear at a hearing shall be served sufficiently in advance of his scheduled appearance to allow him a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Speaker, to prepare for the hearing and to employ counsel should he or she so desire.
(b) Except as otherwise specifically authorized by the Speaker, no member of the Committee or staff shall make public the name of any witness subpoenaed by the Committee before the date of his scheduled appearance.
(c) Witnesses at hearings may be accompanied by their counsel for the purpose of advising them concerning their constitutional rights and to raise objections to the admissibility of testimony and evidence. Counsel for a witness other than the respondent shall not be permitted to engage in oral argument before the House. After a witness has testified, his counsel may submit to the Speaker in writing, any questions he wishes propounded to his client and any request for additional witnesses or other evidence. Such request may be granted at the Speaker's discretion.
(d) The respondent may apply to the Speaker for the issuance of subpoenas for the appearance of witnesses or the production of documents on his behalf. The application shall be granted upon a concise showing by the respondent that the proposed testimony or evidence is relevant and not otherwise available. The application shall be denied if not made at a reasonable time or if the testimony or evidence would be merely cumulative.
(e) Each witness appearing before the House shall be furnished a printed copy of the Rules of the House.
SYNOPSIS
This Resolution sets forth the rules of procedure for ethics violations in the House of Representatives.
