§ 33.31. POWER AND DUTIES.

The County Ethics Commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(A) To initiate on its own motion, receive and investigate complaints, hold hearings and make findings of fact and determinations with regard to alleged violations of the provisions of this chapter;

(B) To issue orders in connection with its investigations and hearings, requiring persons to submit in writing and under oath reports and answers to questions that are relevant to the proceedings and to order testimony to be taken by deposition before any individual designated by the Commission who has the power to administer oaths;

(C) To administer oaths and to issue orders requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence relating to an investigation or hearing being conducted by the Commission;

(D) To refer any information concerning violations of this chapter to the other appropriate person or body, as necessary, for appropriate action outside the authority of the Commission;

(E) To render advisory opinions to county and county agency officers, appointees and employees regarding whether a given set of facts and circumstances would constitute a violation of any provision of this chapter;

(F) To enforce the provisions of this chapter with regard to all officers, appointees and employees of the county and county agencies who are subject to its terms by issuing appropriate orders and imposing civil penalties authorized by this chapter. Jurisdiction shall apply solely to civil violations and penalties. All criminal violations shall be referred to appropriate criminal law agencies;

(G) To control and maintain all statements of financial interest that are required to be filed by this chapter and to ensure that the statements are available for public inspection in accordance with the requirements of this chapter;

(H) To develop and submit any reports regarding the conduct of its business that may be required by the Fiscal Court; and

(I) To adopt rules and regulations and to take other actions, as necessary, to implement the provisions of this chapter, provided that the rules, regulations and actions are not in conflict with the provisions of this chapter or any state or federal law.

(Ord. passed 11-15-1994)