Committee on Ethics Rules of Procedure

This Missouri House resolution (HR 141) establishes formal rules for the Committee on Ethics to handle complaints about ethical misconduct by House members. It defines key terms like "ethical misconduct" (including crimes, conflicts of interest, neglect of duty, or conduct harming public trust) and sets a six-year limit for complaints (except for felonies or sexual offenses). The rules require written complaints with specific details, mandate confidentiality, and outline procedures for referrals, investigations (including outside counsel for sexual harassment claims), and committee hearings. The resolution governs the committee's process but does not change substantive ethics laws or impose new penalties.