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2010 SESSION

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HB 655 Conflicts of Interests Act; revisions applicable to House and Senate Ethics Advisory Panels.

Introduced by: Ward L. Armstrong | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act; House and Senate Ethics Advisory Panels. Opens ethics inquiries to the public after a preliminary investigation. During the preliminary investigation, the Panel will require that (i) the facts stated in the complaint taken to be true are sufficient to show a violation of the Conflicts of Interests Act, (ii) the complainant appear and testify under oath as to the complaint and the allegations, and (iii) such violation has occurred by a preponderance of the evidence. Once the Panel determines to proceed with an inquiry into the conduct of any legislator, the Panel shall complete its investigations notwithstanding the resignation of the legislator during the course of the Panel's proceedings.

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act; House and Senate Ethics Advisory Panels. Revises the process for the appointment of House Panel members and provides for public hearings during an ethics investigation if the Panel determines the complaint is credible and for public access to House Panel proceedings. The bill makes other revisions applicable to both Panels. This bill incorporates HB 644 (Armstrong), HB 657 (Armstrong), and HB 814 (Abbott).

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act; House and Senate Ethics Advisory Panels.  Revises the process for the appointment of House Panel members and provides for public access to House Panel proceedings. The bill makes other revisions applicable to both Panels.