Sec. 5. (a) The ethics committee may do any of the following:
(1) Act as an advisory body to the general assembly and to members on questions relating to possible conflicts of interest.
(2) Render opinions interpreting this article and the code of ethics.
(3) Receive and hear any complaint that alleges:
(A) a breach of any privilege of the ethics committee's house;
(B) misconduct of a member in the course of his or her official duties as a member of the general assembly; or
(C) a violation of the code of ethics.
(4) Obtain information with respect to a complaint filed under this section. The ethics committee may compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of relevant documents.
(5) Recommend whatever sanction is appropriate with respect to a particular member as will best maintain the trust, respect, and confidence of the public in the general assembly.
(6) Recommend legislation relating to the conduct and ethics of members.
(b) For a complaint to be considered by an ethics committee, the complaint must:
(1) describe the acts or omissions that are the basis of the complaint with reasonable particularity and in sufficient detail to make it clear to an individual of ordinary understanding the breach, misconduct, or violation that is the basis of the complaint;
(2) be submitted to the ethics committee (with a duplicate copy submitted to the speaker, if the subject of the complaint is a member of the house of representatives, or the president pro tempore, if the subject of the complaint is a member of the senate) in the form and in the manner provided in the rules of the chamber served by the ethics committee; and
(3) be in writing and verified.
As added by P.L.123-2015, SEC.2.
Structure Indiana Code
Article 2.2. Legislative Ethics
Chapter 3. Legislative Ethics Committees
2-2.2-3-1. Legislative Ethics Committees; Establishment
2-2.2-3-2. Membership; Chair and Vice Chair
2-2.2-3-3. Term of Member; Vacancy
2-2.2-3-4. Adoption of Code of Ethics; Amendments; Consistency With Law; Effectiveness
2-2.2-3-5. Powers of Ethics Committee; Requirements for Complaint
2-2.2-3-6. Ethics Committee Investigations; Procedure
2-2.2-3-7. Recusal of Ethics Committee Member
2-2.2-3-9. Ethics Training of Members; Sexual Harassment Prevention Instruction