Missouri 2025 Regular Session

Missouri House Bill HR141 Compare Versions

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Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
	1	+	2479H.02C
	2	+	HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
	3	+	FOR
	4	+	HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 141
1	5		ETHICS COMMITTEE
2	6		RULES OF PROCEDURE
3	7		103rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY
4		-	Adopted February 3, 2025
5		-	RULE 1. Scope and Authority
6		-	These Rules of Procedure govern the conduct of the investigation of complaints of ethical
7		-	misconduct by a member of the House and are adopted pursuant to House Rule 37.
8		-	RULE 2. Definitions
9		-	As used in these rules, unless the context requires otherwise, the following words and
10		-	terms shall have the following meanings, and the use of masculine gender shall include the
11		-	feminine.
12		-	(1) Letter of reproval - A sanction which expresses disapproval of conduct based on the
13		-	appropriateness of such conduct by a member, regardless of whether the conduct constitutes a
14		-	legal or moral wrong.
15		-	(2) Reprimand - A sanction which recognizes the member's conduct constituted a legal
16		-	or moral wrong and which may include punishment in the form of denying privileges of office
17		-	is issued by the Speaker and the recommendation for reprimand is made a public record.
18		-	(3) Censure - A sanction which recognizes the member's conduct constituted a legal or
19		-	moral wrong, and which shall include punishment in the form of denying privileges of office and
20		-	requires the presence of the member in the chamber during consideration and vote by the entire
21		-	House on such resolution.
22		-	(4) Expulsion – A sanction which recognizes the member's conduct constituted a legal
23		-	or moral wrong and which may include punishment in the form of removal from office as
24		-	provided in Article III, Section 18 of the Missouri Constitution.
25		-	(5) Ethical misconduct –
26		-	(a) A crime;
27		-	(b) Willful neglect of duty;
28		-	(c) Corruption in office;
29		-	(d) Any conduct constituting a legal or moral wrong which materially impairs the
30		-	member's ability to perform the duties of his or her office or substantially impairs public 2
31		-	confidence in the General Assembly;
32		-	(e) Any conduct constituting a conflict of interest under Chapter 105, RSMo;
33		-	(f) The intentional filing of a false complaint or the filing of a complaint in reckless
34		-	disregard of the truth; or
35		-	(g) Any breach of confidentiality provided for under these rules.
36		-	(6) Member – Any Missouri State Representative or Missouri State
37		-	Representative-Elect.
38		-	No allegation of ethical misconduct may be based on actions that occurred more than six years
39		-	prior to the date the respondent assumed the office of Representative, unless the actions, whether
40		-	charged or uncharged, would constitute a felony offense under the laws of this state, or would
41		-	constitute an offense of a sexual nature under the laws of this state.
42		-
43		-	RULE 3. Quorum
44		-	A quorum exists when a majority of the members of the Committee are present. A
45		-	quorum of appointed members shall be necessary to hold a hearing of any type.
46		-	RULE 4. Form of Complaints
47		-	A. All complaints filed against a member shall be made under the authority of Rule 37
48		-	of the House Rules of Procedure. The complaints shall be confidential and shall be referred to
49		-	the Committee on Ethics within fourteen (14) calendar days. The Speaker's referral of a
50		-	complaint shall include a letter delivered to the Chief Clerk noting the date and time of receipt
51		-	of the complaint, and the date and time of delivery to the Committee on Ethics; except that, if
52		-	the Speaker is the subject of the complaint, the referral shall be made by the Speaker Pro
53		-	Tempore. Each complaint shall be in writing and under oath from the member, or in the case
54		-	of alleged sexual harassment or a violation of the amorous relationship policy, the investigative
55		-	report shall be sufficient to be considered a proper complaint.
56		-	B. In the case of a complaint of sexual harassment or a violation of the amorous
57		-	relationship policy made either by or against a member, the Chief Clerk of the House shall
58		-	contract with outside legal counsel for the purpose of investigating the complaint. The Chief
59		-	Clerk shall ensure the complaint and any results of an investigation shall be referred within
60		-	fourteen calendar days of receipt of the complaint to the chair and vice chair of the Committee 3
61		-	on Ethics; except that, the fourteen-day referral requirement may be extended for good cause for
62		-	a period no longer than thirty days.
63		-	C. All complaints shall contain:
64		-	(1) The name and address of the member or members or other individual or individuals
65		-	acting as complainant;
66		-	(2) The name of the member alleged to have engaged in conduct constituting ethical
67		-	misconduct (the respondent);
68		-	(3) The nature of the alleged act constituting ethical misconduct, including when
69		-	applicable, the specific law, rule, regulation, or ethical standard violated;
70		-	(4) The facts alleged to have given rise to the act constituting ethical misconduct; and
71		-	(5) Where the facts are alleged upon the information and belief of the complainant, the
72		-	complaint shall so state and set forth the basis for such information and belief.
73		-	D. All records in the possession of the complainant that are relevant to and in support
74		-	of the allegations shall be appended to the complaint.
75		-	E. In the case that the Chief Clerk retains outside counsel to investigate an alleged
76		-	violation of the sexual harassment or amorous relationship policies, the Chief Clerk shall notify
77		-	the respondent in writing that a complaint has been filed, but shall not disclose details of the
78		-	complaint or complainant to the respondent without permission from the Chair and Vice Chair
79		-	of the Committee.
80		-	RULE 5. Jurisdictional Hearings
81		-	A. Within twenty-one (21) calendar days of the assignment of the complaint, the
82		-	Committee shall determine if it is in compliance with Rule 4 of these Rules, and whether on the
83		-	face of the complaint, the allegations contained therein are within the jurisdiction of the
84		-	Committee. No person named in the complaint shall act as a member of the Committee for
85		-	purposes of such complaint. A jurisdictional hearing to examine the complaint and report or
86		-	other evidence provided to the Committee, and the determination under Rule 5. C. shall be
87		-	conducted in a closed hearing.
88		-	B. Complaints determined not to be in compliance with Rule 4 of these Rules shall be
89		-	returned to the complainant with a statement that it is not in compliance with the Rules of
90		-	Procedure. The complaint may be resubmitted in the proper form.
91		-	C. Once a determination has been made that the complaint complies with Rule 4 of these 4
92		-	Rules, a majority of the Committee appointed shall vote by roll call to:
93		-	(1) Proceed to a primary hearing;
94		-	(2) Defer action pending completion of any other administrative, disciplinary,
95		-	commission, or judicial proceeding; or
96		-	(3) Dismiss the complaint. When a motion to proceed to a primary hearing fails on a
97		-	recorded vote, the complaint shall be immediately dismissed. The Committee may, in its
98		-	discretion, issue a report in conjunction with the dismissal of the complaint.
99		-	D. In determining whether or not to proceed to a primary hearing, the Committee shall
100		-	consider the following:
101		-	(1) The credible evidence of ethical misconduct contained in the complaint, any report,
102		-	or other evidence appended thereto;
103		-	(2) Other administrative or disciplinary action by other interested bodies;
104		-	(3) Criminal investigation, Missouri Ethics Commission proceeding, or judicial
105		-	proceedings, either civil or criminal; and
106		-	(4) Other relevant circumstances that would justify expediting, declining, or deferring
107		-	action by the Committee.
108		-	E. Any party may make an objection to the participation of any member of the
109		-	Committee in an examination of the complaint on the grounds that the member cannot render
110		-	an impartial and unbiased decision in the case. The majority of the members present shall rule
111		-	on the objection to the participation of any member of the Committee. A temporary replacement
112		-	shall be made to serve on the Committee on Ethics for all actions concerning a particular
113		-	complaint for any member of the Committee who is prevented from acting on a complaint under
114		-	these rules. Any temporary replacement made shall be of the same party as the replaced member
115		-	and shall be chosen by the Speaker for the replacement of a member of the majority party or
116		-	chosen by the Minority Floor Leader for the replacement of a member of the minority party;
117		-	except that, if the Speaker is the respondent, the complainant, or the victim, the temporary
118		-	replacement shall be chosen by the Chair of the Committee or, if the Minority Floor Leader is
119		-	the respondent, the complainant, or the victim, the temporary replacement shall be chosen by the
120		-	Vice Chair of the Committee. If a member of the Committee is unable to fulfill his or her duties
121		-	for any other reason, a temporary replacement shall be appointed under the procedure described
122		-	in this paragraph.
123		-	RULE 6. Confidentiality 5
124		-	A. Counsel for the Committee on Ethics, with the consent of the Chair and Vice Chair,
125		-	may redact any of the names and identifying information of the parties mentioned in any report,
126		-	or provide a summary of the report.
127		-	B. No member or staff of the Committee on Ethics shall, during or after the investigation
128		-	of the complaint, disclose, to any person or entity outside the Committee, any information
129		-	received in the course of service with the Committee, except as authorized by the Committee or
130		-	in accordance with its rules.
131		-	C. No person, other than House staff or employees properly part of the complaint
132		-	process by rule or policy, who reviews or receives the results of any investigation or report shall
133		-	disclose any information contained in the report, except to his or her counsel or in accordance
134		-	with these rules.
135		-	D. Any document provided by the Committee shall contain a watermark indicating that
136		-	the document is confidential and shall list the name of the recipient.
137		-	E. All confidential Committee records, including reports received by the Committee,
138		-	shall remain closed records unless otherwise ordered by the Committee or these rules.
139		-	F. No audio or visual recording shall be made of any closed hearing of the Committee
140		-	on Ethics without the prior, express permission of the Chair. A violation of this paragraph may
141		-	be treated as contempt or disorderly conduct as authorized under Article III, Section 18 of the
142		-	Constitution of the state of Missouri.
143		-	RULE 7. Answers and Motions
144		-	A. If the Committee determines that the complaint merits proceeding to a primary
145		-	hearing, the respondent shall have twenty-one (21) calendar days in which to respond to the
146		-	complaint by way of answer or motion, unless this time period is waived by the respondent. Any
147		-	answer or motion shall be in writing, signed by the respondent and his or her counsel, if he or
148		-	she has one, and shall be limited to the following:
149		-	(1) An admission or denial under oath, of the allegations set forth in the complaint,
150		-	including negative and affirmative defenses, and any other relevant information, including
151		-	supporting evidence which the respondent may desire to submit. Failure to file an answer within
152		-	the time prescribed shall be considered by the Committee as a denial of each allegation; or
153		-	(2) An objection to the jurisdiction of the Committee to investigate the complaint.
154		-	B. Any motion submitted pursuant to this rule is not in lieu of an answer and shall be
155		-	accompanied by a memorandum of points and authorities. Answers or motions not submitted 6
156		-	prior to the deadline described in paragraph A of this Rule shall not be considered by the
157		-	Committee.
158		-	C. The Chair of the Committee shall pass upon such motions as soon as practicable and
159		-	notice of the decision shall be furnished to the respondent and the complainant. A motion to
160		-	quash a subpoena shall be decided by the Chair of the Committee.
161		-	D. Time limitations imposed by this Rule may be extended when, in the discretion of
162		-	the Chair, such extension would facilitate a fair and complete inquiry and may be shortened
163		-	when the Chair determines that there are special circumstances compelling expedition, and upon
164		-	twenty-four (24) hours notice of said action to the respondent and the claimant.
165		-	E. The Chair may elect to retain special counsel for the Committee. In the event that
166		-	special counsel is retained by the Committee, the attorney-client privilege is applicable to the
167		-	Committee and not to the House.
168		-	RULE 8. Primary Hearings
169		-	A. Complaints determined to be in compliance with Rule 4 of these Rules and accepted
170		-	for a primary hearing shall be transmitted to the respondent before the conclusion of the primary
171		-	hearing with a copy of the Rules of Procedure and notice in writing that the respondent may
172		-	respond to the complaint either by way of answer or motion pursuant to Rule 7 of these Rules;
173		-	a redacted complaint or a summary of the complaint may be provided in lieu thereof upon
174		-	approval of the Committee. The complainant and alleged victim shall also be notified, in
175		-	writing, of the action of the Committee.
176		-	B. A primary hearing may be held to hear arguments based on the evidence submitted
177		-	in the case. The primary hearing may be closed at the discretion of the Committee. The
178		-	Committee shall provide the complainant and the respondent or counsel for the complainant and
179		-	respondent an opportunity to present, orally or in writing, a statement, which shall be under oath
180		-	or affirmation, regarding the allegations and any other relevant questions arising out of the
181		-	complaint or other evidence provided to the committee. Opening statements made during a
182		-	primary hearing shall be limited to fifteen minutes for the complainant and fifteen minutes for
183		-	the respondent; however, such time limitations may be increased at the discretion of the Chair
184		-	of the Committee.
185		-	C. The Committee shall require that testimony be given under oath or affirmation. The
186		-	form of the oath or affirmation shall be: "Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that the testimony
187		-	you will give before this Committee in the matter now under consideration will be the truth, the
188		-	whole truth, and nothing but the truth (so help you God)?" The oath or affirmation shall be
189		-	administered by the Chair or Committee member designated by the Chair to administer oaths. 7
190		-	The Committee may take testimony from the complainant, alleged victim, respondent, and any
191		-	other witness at the discretion of the Chair. The complainant, alleged victim, and respondent
192		-	may submit a list of proposed witnesses to the Chair for consideration at least twenty-four hours
193		-	in advance of the hearing. Only the Committee members, or special counsel for the Committee,
194		-	may question a witness at the primary hearing.
195		-	D. The Committee may receive witness testimony and evidence upon which to base
196		-	findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The Committee may require, by subpoena or by
197		-	subpoena duces tecum, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of
198		-	such books, records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, electronic communications, and
199		-	documents as it deems necessary. The Committee may issue and enforce subpoenas as allowed
200		-	by law.
201		-	E. If in the course of investigating the complaint, the Committee discovers information
202		-	that may indicate ethical misconduct by the respondent other than that outlined in the complaint,
203		-	the Committee may, by a majority vote of the Committee, expand the scope of the investigation
204		-	to include broader or additional allegations of ethical misconduct.
205		-	F. At the conclusion of the primary hearing, a majority of the Committee shall vote by
206		-	roll call to:
207		-	(1) Dismiss the complaint, which may be accompanied by a report issued by the
208		-	Committee;
209		-	(2) Proceed by undertaking a formal hearing; or
210		-	(3) Offer a recommended sanction to the member which may include one of the
211		-	following:
212		-	(a) Letter of reproval;
213		-	(b) Reprimand;
214		-	(c) Censure; or
215		-	(d) Expulsion.
216		-	The member shall be given notice of his or her right to object to the Committee's recommended
217		-	sanction by the time set forth by the Committee, which shall be no less than seventy-two hours.
218		-	If the respondent fails to object in writing to the Committee's recommendation, the respondent
219		-	shall be deemed to waive any and all rights to further proceedings before the Committee on
220		-	Ethics and the Committee report issued by the committee pursuant to this paragraph shall be
221		-	filed by the Committee in the form of a House Resolution with the Clerk of the House. The 8
222		-	recommendation shall also be published in the House Journal and automatically placed on the
223		-	House Resolutions Calendar without further referral. If the respondent objects in writing to the
224		-	recommendation within the time set forth by the Committee, the Committee shall proceed to a
225		-	formal hearing, which shall take place no later than ninety days after the receipt of such
226		-	objection or as scheduled or extended by a majority vote of the Committee.
227		-	RULE 9. Formal Hearings
228		-	A. If the respondent objects in writing to the Committee’s recommendation pursuant to
229		-	Rule 8, a formal hearing shall be held on the record to receive evidence upon which to base
230		-	findings, conclusions, and recommendations, if any, to the House; except that, such hearing may
231		-	be closed at the discretion of the Committee. The Committee may require, by subpoena or
232		-	otherwise, or by subpoena duces tecum, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the
233		-	production of such books, records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, electronic
234		-	communications, and documents as it deems necessary. The Committee may issue and enforce
235		-	subpoenas as allowed by law.
236		-	B. Prior to setting a hearing date and issuing subpoenas for witnesses, the Committee
237		-	shall resolve the scope and purpose of the hearings. A copy of this statement of scope and
238		-	purpose shall be furnished to all witnesses. During the course of the hearings the Committee
239		-	may expand or contract the scope in light of evidence received.
240		-	C. The order of the formal hearing shall be as follows:
241		-	(1) The Chair shall open the hearing by stating the Committee's authority to conduct the
242		-	investigation, the purpose of the investigation and its scope.
243		-	(2) The complainant and the respondent or counsel for the complainant and respondent
244		-	shall be permitted to make opening statements. Such opening statements shall not exceed fifteen
245		-	minutes each.
246		-	(3) Testimony from witnesses and other evidence pertinent to the matter under
247		-	investigation shall be received in the following order:
248		-	(a) Witnesses and other evidence offered by the complainant;
249		-	(b) Witnesses and other evidence offered by the respondent;
250		-	(c) Witnesses and other evidence offered by the Committee; and
251		-	(d) Rebuttal witnesses.
252		-	(4) Only the Committee members, or special counsel for the Committee, may question 9
253		-	a witness at the formal hearing.
254		-	D. Testimony of all witnesses shall be taken under oath. The form of the oath shall be:
255		-	"Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that the testimony you will give before this Committee in
256		-	the matter now under consideration will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth
257		-	(so help you God)?" The oath shall be administered by the Chair or Committee member
258		-	designated by the Chair to administer oaths.
259		-	RULE 10. Admissibility of Evidence
260		-	A. The object of the hearings shall be to ascertain the truth. Any evidence that is relevant
261		-	and probative shall be admissible, unless privileged or unless the Constitution otherwise requires
262		-	its exclusion. Objections going only to the weight that should be given to evidence will not
263		-	justify its exclusion.
264		-	B. The Chair or other member presiding shall rule upon any question of admissibility
265		-	of testimony or evidence presented to the Committee. The Chair or other member presiding may
266		-	limit the presentation of repetitious evidence. Rulings shall be final unless reversed or modified
267		-	by a majority vote of the Committee members present.
268		-	C. At a formal hearing, the burden of proof is on the complainant with respect to each
269		-	count to establish the facts alleged therein clearly and convincingly by the evidence that he or
270		-	she introduces.
271		-	RULE 11. Witnesses
272		-	A. A subpoena to a witness shall be served sufficiently in advance of his or her
273		-	scheduled appearance to allow the witness a reasonable period of time, as determined by the
274		-	Committee, to prepare for the hearing and to employ counsel should he or she so desire.
275		-	B. Except as otherwise specifically authorized by the Chair, no member of the
276		-	Committee or staff shall make public the name of any witness subpoenaed by the Committee
277		-	before his or her scheduled appearance.
278		-	C. Witnesses at formal hearings may be accompanied by their counsel for the purpose
279		-	of advising them concerning their constitutional rights and to raise objections to procedures or
280		-	to the admissibility of testimony and evidence.
281		-	D. The Chair may limit such testimony when, in his or her discretion, he or she finds the
282		-	testimony is repetitious, cumulative, or irrelevant. 10
283		-	E. Each witness subpoenaed by the Committee shall be reimbursed for those reasonable
284		-	expenses approved by the Committee.
285		-	F. Each witness shall be furnished a printed copy of the Rules of Procedure and the
286		-	pertinent provisions of the Rules of the House applicable to the rights of witnesses.
287		-	G. Within ten calendar days before the scheduled formal hearing, each party shall notify
288		-	the Committee and all other parties to the complaint, in writing, of the witnesses that are to
289		-	appear at the formal hearing. Within five calendar days before the scheduled formal hearing,
290		-	each party shall notify the Committee and all other parties to the complaint, in writing, of any
291		-	proposed rebuttal witnesses that are to appear on his or her behalf. The Chair may exercise
292		-	discretion in allowing any party's good faith request for additional witnesses that are proposed
293		-	after the expiration of these time limits, or in denying any witness request made by a party if
294		-	such request is not made in good faith.
295		-	RULE 12. Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations
296		-	A. At the completion of the primary hearing or formal hearings, the Committee, by a
297		-	majority vote of its members, shall, within forty-five (45) days, adopt a report stating its findings
298		-	and conclusions on the complaint. The report shall be filed with the Chief Clerk of the House,
299		-	with a copy delivered to the office of the Speaker, office of the Majority Floor Leader, and office
300		-	of the Minority Floor Leader, and shall be printed in the House Journal. In the event the
301		-	Committee finds that the complaint is not well-founded, the report shall so state, and shall
302		-	include a copy of a Letter of Reproval if the Committee authorized such sanction. In the event
303		-	the Committee finds that the complaint is well-founded, the report shall state the Committee's
304		-	recommendation in a resolution appended thereto.
305		-	B. The resolution shall state the Committee's findings and conclusions on each allegation
306		-	in the complaint with the recommendation that the House take one of the following actions:
307		-	(1) Letter of reproval;
308		-	(2) Reprimand;
309		-	(3) Censure; or
310		-	(4) Expulsion.
311		-	C. The chair or counsel for the Committee shall redact from its findings, conclusions,
312		-	and recommendations, the name or names and any identifying information of any person or
313		-	persons alleged to be a victim of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct by a member. An
314		-	alleged victim may consent to the release of his or her name or other identifying information by 11
315		-	providing a written request to the chair of the Committee.
316		-	D. The Committee's recommendation may also require payment of restitution and costs
317		-	incurred in the investigation, or impose any other sanction that the Committee deems just and
318		-	proper under the circumstances, but the amount of restitution and costs shall not exceed the costs
319		-	incurred by the House related to the complaint. Any assessment of fines or restitution and costs
320		-	shall be paid in full by the member no later than thirty days after the adoption of a
321		-	recommendation by the House of Representatives. If the member fails to pay in full by the
322		-	expiration of the thirty-day time period, then the Chief Clerk may deduct from the member's
323		-	salary an appropriate monthly sum to repay the full amount due by the conclusion of the
324		-	member's current term of office.
325		-	RULE 13. Matters Not Covered in These Rules of Procedure
326		-	The Rules of Procedure of the United States House of Representatives Committee on
327		-	Ethics shall be taken as guidelines in deciding questions, issues, and other matters not otherwise
328		-	provided for in these Rules of Procedure, except that the Rules of the Missouri House of
329		-	Representatives governing the party representation on committees shall apply to this Committee.
330		-	RULE 14. Depositions
331		-	The Chair of the Committee, upon consultation with the Vice Chair, may order the taking
332		-	of depositions, under the authority of Section 21.380, RSMo, by a member or counsel of the
333		-	Committee. Witnesses may be accompanied at a deposition by counsel to advise the witnesses
334		-	of their rights. Only members of the Committee, Committee staff designated by the Chair or
335		-	Vice Chair, an official reporter, the witness, and the witness's counsel are permitted to attend.
336		-	Depositions may be taken at any stage of the proceedings and may be used as evidence
337		-	submitted by the Committee on Ethics.
338		-	RULE 15. Limitations on Scope and Authority
339		-	Nothing contained in these rules shall be construed to limit the authority of the House
340		-	of Representatives as enumerated under Article III, Section 18, of the Constitution of the state
341		-	of Missouri.
	8	+	1 RULE 1. Scope and Authority
	9	+	2 These Rules of Procedure govern the conduct of the investigation
	10	+	3 of complaints of ethical misconduct by a member of the House and are
	11	+	4 adopted pursuant to House Rule 37.
	12	+	5
	13	+	6 RULE 2. Definitions
	14	+	7 As used in these rules, unless the context requires otherwise,
	15	+	8 the following words and terms shall have the following meanings, and
	16	+	9 the use of masculine gender shall include the feminine.
	17	+	10 (1) Letter of reproval - A sanction which expresses disapproval
	18	+	11 of conduct based on the appropriateness of such conduct by a member,
	19	+	12 regardless of whether the conduct constitutes a legal or moral wrong.
	20	+	13 (2) Reprimand - A sanction which recognizes the member's conduct
	21	+	14 constituted a legal or moral wrong and which may include punishment in
	22	+	15 the form of denying privileges of office is issued by the Speaker and
	23	+	16 the recommendation for reprimand is made a public record.
	24	+	17 (3) Censure - A sanction which recognizes the member's conduct
	25	+	18 constituted a legal or moral wrong, and which shall include punishment
	26	+	19 in the form of denying privileges of office and requires the presence
	27	+	20 of the member in the chamber during consideration and vote by the
	28	+	21 entire House on such resolution.
	29	+	22 (4) Expulsion – A sanction which recognizes the member's conduct
	30	+	23 constituted a legal or moral wrong and which may include punishment in
	31	+	24 the form of removal from office as provided in Article III, Section 18
	32	+	25 of the Missouri Constitution.
	33	+	26 (5) Ethical misconduct –
	34	+	27 (a) A crime;
	35	+	28 (b) Willful neglect of duty;
	36	+	29 (c) Corruption in office;
	37	+	30 (d) Any conduct constituting a legal or moral wrong which
	38	+	31 materially impairs the member's ability to perform the duties of his
	39	+	32 or her office or substantially impairs public confidence in the
	40	+	33 General Assembly;
	41	+	34 (e) Any conduct constituting a conflict of interest under
	42	+	35 Chapter 105, RSMo;
	43	+	36 (f) The intentional filing of a false complaint or the filing of
	44	+	37 a complaint in reckless disregard of the truth; or
	45	+	1 1 (g) Any breach of confidentiality provided for under these
	46	+	2 rules.
	47	+	3 (6) Member – Any Missouri State Representative or Missouri State
	48	+	4 Representative-Elect.
	49	+	5
	50	+	6 No allegation of ethical misconduct may be based on actions that
	51	+	7 occurred more than six years prior to the date the respondent assumed
	52	+	8 the office of Representative, unless the actions, whether charged or
	53	+	9 uncharged, would constitute a [Class A] felony offense under the laws
	54	+	10 of this state, or would constitute an offense of a sexual nature under
	55	+	11 the laws of this state.
	56	+	12
	57	+	13 RULE 3. Quorum
	58	+	14 A quorum exists when a majority of the members of the Committee
	59	+	15 are present. A quorum of appointed members shall be necessary to hold
	60	+	16 a hearing of any type.
	61	+	17
	62	+	18 RULE 4. Form of Complaints
	63	+	19 A. All complaints filed against a member shall be made under the
	64	+	20 authority of Rule 37 of the House Rules of Procedure. The complaints
	65	+	21 shall be confidential and shall be referred to the Committee on Ethics
	66	+	22 within fourteen (14) calendar days. The Speaker's referral of a
	67	+	23 complaint shall include a letter delivered to the Chief Clerk noting
	68	+	24 the date and time of receipt of the complaint, and the date and time
	69	+	25 of delivery to the Committee on Ethics; except that, if the Speaker is
	70	+	26 the subject of the complaint, the referral shall be made by the
	71	+	27 Speaker Pro Tempore. Each complaint shall be in writing and under
	72	+	28 oath from the member, or in the case of alleged sexual harassment or a
	73	+	29 violation of the amorous relationship policy, the investigative report
	74	+	30 shall be sufficient to be considered a proper complaint.
	75	+	31 B. In the case of a complaint of sexual harassment or a
	76	+	32 violation of the amorous relationship policy made either by or against
	77	+	33 a member, the Chief Clerk of the House shall contract with outside
	78	+	34 legal counsel for the purpose of investigating the complaint. The
	79	+	35 Chief Clerk shall ensure the complaint and any results of an
	80	+	36 investigation shall be referred within fourteen calendar days of
	81	+	37 receipt of the complaint to the chair and vice chair of the Committee
	82	+	38 on Ethics; except that, the fourteen-day referral requirement may be
	83	+	39 extended for good cause for a period no longer than thirty days.
	84	+	40 C. All complaints shall contain:
	85	+	41 (1) The name and address of the member or members or other
	86	+	42 individual or individuals acting as complainant;
	87	+	43 (2) The name of the member alleged to have engaged in conduct
	88	+	44 constituting ethical misconduct (the respondent);
	89	+	45 (3) The nature of the alleged act constituting ethical
	90	+	46 misconduct, including when applicable, the specific law, rule,
	91	+	47 regulation, or ethical standard violated;
	92	+	48 (4) The facts alleged to have given rise to the act constituting
	93	+	49 ethical misconduct; and
	94	+	50 (5) Where the facts are alleged upon the information and belief
	95	+	2 1 of the complainant, the complaint shall so state and set forth the
	96	+	2 basis for such information and belief.
	97	+	3 [B.] D. All records in the possession of the complainant that
	98	+	4 are relevant to and in support of the allegations shall be appended to
	99	+	5 the complaint.
	100	+	6 [C.] E. In the case that the Chief Clerk retains outside counsel
	101	+	7 to investigate an alleged violation of the sexual harassment or
	102	+	8 amorous relationship policies, the Chief Clerk shall notify the
	103	+	9 respondent in writing that a complaint has been filed, but shall not
	104	+	10 disclose details of the complaint or complainant to the respondent
	105	+	11 without permission from the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee.
	106	+	12
	107	+	13 RULE 5. Jurisdictional [Hearing of the Complaint by the Committee ]
	108	+	14 Hearings
	109	+	15 A. Within [thirty (30)] twenty-one (21) calendar days of the
	110	+	16 assignment of the complaint, the Committee shall determine if it is in
	111	+	17 compliance with Rule 4 of these Rules, and whether on the face of the
	112	+	18 complaint, the allegations contained therein are within the
	113	+	19 jurisdiction of the Committee. No person named in the complaint shall
	114	+	20 act as a member of the Committee for purposes of such complaint. [The]
	115	+	21 A jurisdictional hearing to examine the complaint and report or other
	116	+	22 evidence provided to the Committee, and the determination under Rule
	117	+	23 5. C. shall be conducted in a closed hearing.
	118	+	24 B. Complaints determined not to be in compliance with Rule 4 of
	119	+	25 these Rules shall be returned to the complainant with a statement that
	120	+	26 it is not in compliance with the Rules of Procedure. The complaint
	121	+	27 may be resubmitted in the proper form.
	122	+	28 C. Once a determination has been made that the complaint
	123	+	29 complies with Rule 4 of these Rules, a majority of the Committee
	124	+	30 appointed shall vote by roll call to:
	125	+	31 (1) Proceed to a primary hearing;
	126	+	32 (2) Defer action pending completion of any other administrative,
	127	+	33 disciplinary, commission, or judicial proceeding; or
	128	+	34 (3) Dismiss the complaint. When a motion to proceed to a
	129	+	35 primary hearing fails on a recorded vote, the complaint shall be
	130	+	36 immediately dismissed. The Committee may, in its discretion, issue a
	131	+	37 report in conjunction with the dismissal of the complaint.
	132	+	38 D. In determining whether or not to proceed to a primary
	133	+	39 hearing, the Committee shall consider the following:
	134	+	40 (1) The credible evidence of ethical misconduct contained in the
	135	+	41 complaint, any report, or other evidence appended thereto;
	136	+	42 (2) Other administrative or disciplinary action by other
	137	+	43 interested bodies;
	138	+	44 (3) Criminal investigation, Missouri Ethics Commission
	139	+	45 proceeding, or judicial proceedings, either civil or criminal; and
	140	+	46 (4) Other relevant circumstances that would justify expediting,
	141	+	47 declining, or deferring action by the Committee.
	142	+	48 E. [Complaints determined to be in compliance with Rule 4 of
	143	+	49 these Rules and accepted for a primary hearing shall be transmitted to
	144	+	50 the respondent with a copy of the Rules of Procedure and notice in
	145	+	3 1 writing that the respondent has twenty-one (21) calendar days to
	146	+	2 respond to the complaint either by way of answer or motion pursuant to
	147	+	3 Rule 7 of these Rules. The complainant and alleged victim shall also
	148	+	4 be notified, in writing, of the action of the Committee.
	149	+	5 F.] Any party may make an objection to the participation of any
	150	+	6 member of the Committee in an examination of the complaint on the
	151	+	7 grounds that the member cannot render an impartial and unbiased
	152	+	8 decision in the case. The majority of the members present shall rule
	153	+	9 on the objection to the participation of any member of the Committee.
	154	+	10 A temporary replacement shall be made to serve on the Committee on
	155	+	11 Ethics for all actions concerning a particular complaint for any
	156	+	12 member of the Committee who is prevented from acting on a complaint
	157	+	13 under these rules. Any temporary replacement made shall be of the
	158	+	14 same party as the replaced member and shall be chosen by the Speaker
	159	+	15 for the replacement of a member of the majority party or chosen by the
	160	+	16 Minority Floor Leader for the replacement of a member of the minority
	161	+	17 party; except that, if the Speaker is the respondent, the complainant,
	162	+	18 or the victim, the temporary replacement shall be chosen by the Chair
	163	+	19 of the Committee or, if the Minority Floor Leader is the respondent,
	164	+	20 the complainant, or the victim, the temporary replacement shall be
	165	+	21 chosen by the Vice Chair of the Committee. If a member of the
	166	+	22 Committee is unable to fulfill his or her duties for any other reason,
	167	+	23 a temporary replacement shall be appointed under the procedure
	168	+	24 described in this paragraph.
	169	+	25
	170	+	26 RULE 6. Confidentiality
	171	+	27 A. Counsel for the Committee on Ethics, with the consent of the
	172	+	28 Chair and Vice Chair, may redact any of the names and identifying
	173	+	29 information of the parties mentioned in any report, or provide a
	174	+	30 summary of the report.
	175	+	31 B. No member or staff of the Committee on Ethics shall, during
	176	+	32 or after the investigation of the complaint, disclose, to any person
	177	+	33 or entity outside the Committee, any information received in the
	178	+	34 course of service with the Committee, except as authorized by the
	179	+	35 Committee or in accordance with its rules.
	180	+	36 C. No person, other than House staff or employees properly part
	181	+	37 of the complaint process by rule or policy, who reviews or receives
	182	+	38 the results of any investigation or report shall disclose any
	183	+	39 information contained in the report, except to his or her counsel or
	184	+	40 in accordance with these rules.
	185	+	41 D. [If the complaint proceeds to a primary hearing, an unredacted
	186	+	42 report shall be provided to the complainant, respondent, and alleged
	187	+	43 victim.] Any document provided by the Committee shall contain a
	188	+	44 watermark indicating that the document is confidential and shall list
	189	+	45 the name of the recipient.
	190	+	46 E. All confidential Committee records, including reports received
	191	+	47 by the Committee, shall remain closed records unless otherwise ordered
	192	+	48 by the Committee or these rules.
	193	+	49 F. No audio or visual recording shall be made of any closed
	194	+	50 hearing of the Committee on Ethics without the prior, express
	195	+	4 1 permission of the Chair. A violation of this paragraph may be treated
	196	+	2 as contempt or disorderly conduct as authorized under Article III,
	197	+	3 Section 18 of the Constitution of the state of Missouri.
	198	+	4
	199	+	5 RULE 7. Answers and Motions
	200	+	6 A. If the Committee determines that the complaint merits
	201	+	7 proceeding to a primary hearing, the respondent shall have twenty-one
	202	+	8 (21) calendar days in which to respond to the complaint by way of
	203	+	9 answer or motion, unless this time period is waived by the respondent.
	204	+	10 Any answer or motion shall be in writing, signed by the respondent and
	205	+	11 his or her counsel, if he or she has one, and shall be limited to the
	206	+	12 following:
	207	+	13 (1) An admission or denial under oath, of the allegations set
	208	+	14 forth in the complaint, including negative and affirmative defenses,
	209	+	15 and any other relevant information, including supporting evidence
	210	+	16 which the respondent may desire to submit. Failure to file an answer
	211	+	17 within the time prescribed shall be considered by the Committee as a
	212	+	18 denial of each allegation; or
	213	+	19 (2) An objection to the jurisdiction of the Committee to
	214	+	20 investigate the complaint.
	215	+	21 B. Any motion submitted pursuant to this rule is not in lieu of
	216	+	22 an answer and shall be accompanied by a memorandum of points and
	217	+	23 authorities. Answers or motions not submitted [within the twenty-one
	218	+	24 (21) calendar-day period ] prior to the deadline described in paragraph
	219	+	25 A of this Rule shall not be considered by the Committee.
	220	+	26 C. The Chair of the Committee shall pass upon such motions as
	221	+	27 soon as practicable and notice of the decision shall be furnished to
	222	+	28 the respondent and the complainant. A motion to quash a subpoena
	223	+	29 shall be decided by the Chair of the Committee.
	224	+	30 D. Time limitations imposed by this Rule may be extended when,
	225	+	31 in the discretion of the Chair, such extension would facilitate a fair
	226	+	32 and complete inquiry and may be shortened when the Chair determines
	227	+	33 that there are special circumstances compelling expedition, and upon
	228	+	34 twenty-four (24) hours notice of said action to the respondent and the
	229	+	35 claimant.
	230	+	36 E. The Chair may elect to retain special counsel for the
	231	+	37 Committee. In the event that [a] special counsel is retained by the
	232	+	38 Committee, the attorney-client privilege is applicable to the
	233	+	39 Committee and not to the House.
	234	+	40
	235	+	41 RULE 8. Primary Hearings
	236	+	42 A. Complaints determined to be in compliance with Rule 4 of
	237	+	43 these Rules and accepted for a primary hearing shall be transmitted to
	238	+	44 the respondent before the conclusion of the primary hearing with a
	239	+	45 copy of the Rules of Procedure and notice in writing that the
	240	+	46 respondent may respond to the complaint either by way of answer or
	241	+	47 motion pursuant to Rule 7 of these Rules; a redacted complaint or a
	242	+	48 summary of the complaint may be provided in lieu thereof upon approval
	243	+	49 of the Committee. The complainant and alleged victim shall also be
	244	+	50 notified, in writing, of the action of the Committee.
	245	+	5 1 B. A primary hearing may be held to hear arguments based on the
	246	+	2 evidence submitted in the case. The primary hearing may be closed at
	247	+	3 the discretion of the Committee. The Committee shall provide the
	248	+	4 complainant and the respondent or counsel for the complainant and
	249	+	5 respondent an opportunity to present, orally or in writing, a
	250	+	6 statement, which shall be under oath or affirmation, regarding the
	251	+	7 allegations and any other relevant questions arising out of the
	252	+	8 complaint or other evidence provided to the committee. Opening
	253	+	9 statements made during a primary hearing shall be limited to fifteen
	254	+	10 minutes for the complainant and fifteen minutes for the respondent;
	255	+	11 however, such time limitations may be increased at the discretion of
	256	+	12 the Chair of the Committee.
	257	+	13 [B.] C. The Committee shall require that testimony be given
	258	+	14 under oath or affirmation. The form of the oath or affirmation shall
	259	+	15 be: "Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that the testimony you will
	260	+	16 give before this Committee in the matter now under consideration will
	261	+	17 be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (so help you
	262	+	18 God)?" The oath or affirmation shall be administered by the Chair or
	263	+	19 Committee member designated by the Chair to administer oaths. The
	264	+	20 Committee may take testimony from the complainant, alleged victim,
	265	+	21 respondent, and any other witness at the discretion of the Chair. The
	266	+	22 complainant, alleged victim, and respondent may submit a list of
	267	+	23 proposed witnesses to the Chair for consideration at least twenty-four
	268	+	24 hours in advance of the hearing. Only the Committee members, or
	269	+	25 special counsel for the Committee, may question a witness at the
	270	+	26 primary hearing.
	271	+	27 [C.] D. The Committee may receive witness testimony and evidence
	272	+	28 upon which to base findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The
	273	+	29 Committee may require, by subpoena or by subpoena duces tecum, the
	274	+	30 attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such
	275	+	31 books, records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, electronic
	276	+	32 communications, and documents as it deems necessary. The Committee
	277	+	33 may issue and enforce subpoenas as allowed by law.
	278	+	34 E. If in the course of investigating the complaint, the
	279	+	35 Committee discovers information that may indicate ethical misconduct
	280	+	36 by the respondent other than that outlined in the complaint, the
	281	+	37 Committee may, by a majority vote of the Committee, expand the scope
	282	+	38 of the investigation to include broader or additional allegations of
	283	+	39 ethical misconduct.
	284	+	40 F. At the conclusion of the primary hearing, a majority of the
	285	+	41 Committee shall vote by roll call to:
	286	+	42 (1) Dismiss the complaint, which may be accompanied by a report
	287	+	43 issued by the Committee;
	288	+	44 (2) Proceed by undertaking a formal hearing; or
	289	+	45 (3) Offer a recommended sanction to the member which may include
	290	+	46 one of the following:
	291	+	47 (a) Letter of reproval;
	292	+	48 (b) Reprimand;
	293	+	49 (c) Censure; or
	294	+	50 (d) Expulsion.
	295	+	6 1 The member shall be given notice of his or her right to object to the
	296	+	2 Committee's recommended sanction by the time set forth by the
	297	+	3 Committee, which shall be no less than seventy-two hours. If the
	298	+	4 respondent fails to object in writing to the Committee's
	299	+	5 recommendation, [he or she] the respondent shall be deemed to waive
	300	+	6 any and all rights to further proceedings before the Committee on
	301	+	7 Ethics and the Committee report issued by the committee pursuant to
	302	+	8 this paragraph shall be filed by the Committee in the form of a House
	303	+	9 Resolution with the Clerk of the House. The recommendation shall also
	304	+	10 be published in the House Journal and automatically placed on the
	305	+	11 House Resolutions Calendar without further referral. If the
	306	+	12 respondent objects in writing to the recommendation within the time
	307	+	13 set forth by the Committee, the Committee shall proceed to a formal
	308	+	14 hearing, which shall take place no later than ninety days after the
	309	+	15 receipt of such objection or as scheduled or extended by a majority
	310	+	16 vote of the Committee.
	311	+	17
	312	+	18 RULE 9. Formal Hearings
	313	+	19 A. If the respondent objects in writing to the Committee’s
	314	+	20 recommendation pursuant to Rule 8, a formal hearing shall be held on
	315	+	21 the record to receive evidence upon which to base findings,
	316	+	22 conclusions, and recommendations, if any, to the House; except that,
	317	+	23 such hearing may be closed at the discretion of the Committee. The
	318	+	24 Committee may require, by subpoena or otherwise, or by subpoena duces
	319	+	25 tecum, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the
	320	+	26 production of such books, records, correspondence, memorandums,
	321	+	27 papers, electronic communications, and documents as it deems
	322	+	28 necessary. The Committee may issue and enforce subpoenas as allowed
	323	+	29 by law.
	324	+	30 B. Prior to setting a hearing date and issuing subpoenas for
	325	+	31 witnesses, the Committee shall resolve the scope and purpose of the
	326	+	32 hearings. A copy of this statement of scope and purpose shall be
	327	+	33 furnished to all witnesses. During the course of the hearings the
	328	+	34 Committee may expand or contract the scope in light of evidence
	329	+	35 received.
	330	+	36 C. The order of the formal hearing shall be as follows:
	331	+	37 (1) The Chair shall open the hearing by stating the Committee's
	332	+	38 authority to conduct the investigation, the purpose of the
	333	+	39 investigation and its scope.
	334	+	40 (2) The complainant and the respondent or counsel for the
	335	+	41 complainant and respondent shall be permitted to make opening
	336	+	42 statements. Such opening statements shall not exceed fifteen minutes
	337	+	43 each.
	338	+	44 (3) Testimony from witnesses and other evidence pertinent to the
	339	+	45 matter under investigation shall be received in the following order:
	340	+	46 (a) Witnesses and other evidence offered by the complainant;
	341	+	47 (b) Witnesses and other evidence offered by the respondent;
	342	+	48 (c) Witnesses and other evidence offered by the Committee; and
	343	+	49 (d) Rebuttal witnesses.
	344	+	50 (4) [The Chair, or his or her designee, and the Committee members
	345	+	7 1 may question any witness. ] Only the Committee members, or special
	346	+	2 counsel for the Committee, may question a witness at the formal
	347	+	3 hearing.
	348	+	4 D. Testimony of all witnesses shall be taken under oath. The
	349	+	5 form of the oath shall be: "Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that
	350	+	6 the testimony you will give before this Committee in the matter now
	351	+	7 under consideration will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
	352	+	8 but the truth (so help you God)?" The oath shall be administered by
	353	+	9 the Chair or Committee member designated by the Chair to administer
	354	+	10 oaths.
	355	+	11
	356	+	12 RULE 10. Admissibility of Evidence
	357	+	13 A. The object of the hearings shall be to ascertain the truth.
	358	+	14 Any evidence that is relevant and probative shall be admissible,
	359	+	15 unless privileged or unless the Constitution otherwise requires its
	360	+	16 exclusion. Objections going only to the weight that should be given
	361	+	17 to evidence will not justify its exclusion.
	362	+	18 B. The Chair or other member presiding shall rule upon any
	363	+	19 question of admissibility of testimony or evidence presented to the
	364	+	20 Committee. The Chair or other member presiding may limit the
	365	+	21 presentation of repetitious evidence. Rulings shall be final unless
	366	+	22 reversed or modified by a majority vote of the Committee members
	367	+	23 present.
	368	+	24 C. At a formal hearing, the burden of proof is on the
	369	+	25 complainant with respect to each count to establish the facts alleged
	370	+	26 therein clearly and convincingly by the evidence that he or she
	371	+	27 introduces.
	372	+	28
	373	+	29 RULE 11. Witnesses
	374	+	30 A. A subpoena to a witness shall be served sufficiently in
	375	+	31 advance of his or her scheduled appearance to allow the witness a
	376	+	32 reasonable period of time, as determined by the Committee, to prepare
	377	+	33 for the hearing and to employ counsel should he or she so desire.
	378	+	34 B. Except as otherwise specifically authorized by the Chair, no
	379	+	35 member of the Committee or staff shall make public the name of any
	380	+	36 witness subpoenaed by the Committee before his or her scheduled
	381	+	37 appearance.
	382	+	38 C. Witnesses at formal hearings may be accompanied by their
	383	+	39 counsel for the purpose of advising them concerning their
	384	+	40 constitutional rights and to raise objections to procedures or to the
	385	+	41 admissibility of testimony and evidence.
	386	+	42 D. The Chair may limit such testimony when, in his or her
	387	+	43 discretion, he or she finds the testimony is repetitious, cumulative,
	388	+	44 or irrelevant.
	389	+	45 E. Each witness subpoenaed by the Committee shall be reimbursed
	390	+	46 for those reasonable expenses approved by the Committee.
	391	+	47 F. Each witness shall be furnished a printed copy of the Rules
	392	+	48 of Procedure and the pertinent provisions of the Rules of the House
	393	+	49 applicable to the rights of witnesses.
	394	+	50 G. Within ten calendar days before the scheduled formal hearing,
	395	+	8 1 each party shall notify the Committee and all other parties to the
	396	+	2 complaint, in writing, of the witnesses that are to appear at the
	397	+	3 formal hearing. Within five calendar days before the scheduled formal
	398	+	4 hearing, each party shall notify the Committee and all other parties
	399	+	5 to the complaint, in writing, of any proposed rebuttal witnesses that
	400	+	6 are to appear on his or her behalf. The Chair may exercise discretion
	401	+	7 in allowing any party's good faith request for additional witnesses
	402	+	8 that are proposed after the expiration of these time limits, or in
	403	+	9 denying any witness request made by a party if such request is not
	404	+	10 made in good faith.
	405	+	11
	406	+	12 RULE 12. Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations
	407	+	13 A. At the completion of the primary hearing or formal hearings,
	408	+	14 the Committee, by a majority vote of its members, shall, within
	409	+	15 forty-five (45) days, adopt a report stating its findings and
	410	+	16 conclusions on the complaint. The report shall be filed with the
	411	+	17 Chief Clerk of the House, with a copy delivered to the office of the
	412	+	18 Speaker, office of the Majority Floor Leader, and office of the
	413	+	19 Minority Floor Leader, and shall be printed in the House Journal. In
	414	+	20 the event the Committee finds that the complaint is not well-founded,
	415	+	21 the report shall so state, and shall include a copy of a Letter of
	416	+	22 Reproval if the Committee authorized such sanction. In the event the
	417	+	23 Committee finds that the complaint is well-founded, the report shall
	418	+	24 state the Committee's recommendation in a resolution appended thereto.
	419	+	25 B. The resolution shall state the Committee's findings and
	420	+	26 conclusions on each allegation in the complaint with the
	421	+	27 recommendation that the House take one of the following actions:
	422	+	28 (1) Letter of reproval;
	423	+	29 (2) Reprimand;
	424	+	30 (3) Censure; or
	425	+	31 (4) Expulsion.
	426	+	32 C. The chair or counsel for the Committee shall redact from its
	427	+	33 findings, conclusions, and recommendations, the name or names and any
	428	+	34 identifying information of any person or persons alleged to be a
	429	+	35 victim of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct by a member. An
	430	+	36 alleged victim may consent to the release of his or her name or other
	431	+	37 identifying information by providing a written request to the chair of
	432	+	38 the Committee.
	433	+	39 D. The Committee's recommendation may also require payment of
	434	+	40 restitution and costs incurred in the investigation, or impose any
	435	+	41 other sanction that the Committee deems just and proper under the
	436	+	42 circumstances, but the amount of restitution and costs shall not
	437	+	43 exceed the costs incurred by the House related to the complaint. Any
	438	+	44 assessment of fines or restitution and costs shall be paid in full by
	439	+	45 the member no later than thirty days after the adoption of a
	440	+	46 recommendation by the House of Representatives. If the member fails
	441	+	47 to pay in full by the expiration of the thirty-day time period, then
	442	+	48 the Chief Clerk may deduct from the member's salary an appropriate
	443	+	49 monthly sum to repay the full amount due by the conclusion of the
	444	+	50 member's current term of office.
	445	+	9 1 RULE 13. Matters Not Covered in These Rules of Procedure
	446	+	2 The Rules of Procedure of the United States House of
	447	+	3 Representatives Committee on Ethics [of the 118th Congress ] shall be
	448	+	4 taken as guidelines in deciding questions, issues, and other matters
	449	+	5 not otherwise provided for in these Rules of Procedure, except that
	450	+	6 the Rules of the Missouri House of Representatives governing the party
	451	+	7 representation on committees shall apply to this Committee.
	452	+	8
	453	+	9 RULE 14. Depositions
	454	+	10 The Chair of the Committee, upon consultation with the Vice
	455	+	11 Chair, may order the taking of depositions, under the authority of
	456	+	12 Section 21.380, RSMo, by a member or counsel of the Committee.
	457	+	13 Witnesses may be accompanied at a deposition by counsel to advise the
	458	+	14 witnesses of their rights. Only members of the Committee, Committee
	459	+	15 staff designated by the Chair or Vice Chair, an official reporter, the
	460	+	16 witness, and the witness's counsel are permitted to attend.
	461	+	17 Depositions may be taken at any stage of the proceedings and may be
	462	+	18 used as evidence submitted by the Committee on Ethics.
	463	+	19
	464	+	20 RULE 15. Limitations on Scope and Authority
	465	+	21 Nothing contained in these rules shall be construed to limit the
	466	+	22 authority of the House of Representatives as enumerated under Article
	467	+	23 III, Section 18, of the Constitution of the state of Missouri.
	468	+	Introduced By: (Sponsor)
	469	+	Signature Dist. #
	470	+	REMINDER: Co-sponsors must sign onto a house bill or resolution electronically through a
	471	+	house computer or the house WEB Portal (home.house.mo.gov). Please call the office of the
	472	+	Assistant Chief Clerk at (573) 751-4503 if you have questions.
	473	+	10