Bill > SJR016

This joint resolution amends the legislative ethics rules by restructuring the Independent Legislative Ethics Commission (ILEC) to consist of five members, with specific appointment procedures involving legislative leaders and requiring prior judicial or legislative service for some members, while also prohibiting commission members from holding other public offices or acting as lobbyists. It clarifies the grounds for filing ethics complaints, including violations of conduct codes or convictions of crimes involving moral turpitude, and establishes two-year time limits for filing such complaints from the date of the action or discovery. The resolution also grants subpoena powers to the ILEC and ethics committees, modifies rules regarding the filing and form of complaints and responses to include more detailed affidavit requirements, and strengthens confidentiality rules for ethics complaints, with violations leading to contempt of the Legislature. Furthermore, it outlines procedures for the ILEC's review of complaints, including its authority to dismiss complaints lacking merit or jurisdiction, and details how the commission makes recommendations to the Senate or House Ethics Committees when allegations are proven, while also specifying which records are public and which remain private. Finally, it refines the process for ethics committee reviews, including their ability to close meetings for specific purposes and the chair's role in ruling on evidence, with provisions for designating members with legal expertise to preside over evidentiary matters.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SJR016.html