(b) If the matter has been referred to the investigating committee pursuant to
§ 15-520(c)(2) of this subtitle, the investigating committee shall review the report of
the Joint Ethics Committee and determine initially whether, based upon the reasons
of the presiding officer or otherwise, further proceedings are justified. If the
investigating committee determines that further proceedings are not justified, it shall
so report to the presiding officer, and the proceedings shall be terminated.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, the
investigating committee shall review the report of the Joint Ethics Committee and, in
such detail as it considers appropriate, conduct further proceedings until it is
prepared to make a report pursuant to subsection (d) of this section. The proceedings
shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of Title 2, Subtitle 16 of this article to
the extent those provisions are not inconsistent with § 15-516 of this subtitle or other
provisions of this Part II.

(d) At the conclusion of its investigation pursuant to subsection (c) of this
section, the investigating committee shall make such findings of fact, conclusions of
law, and recommendations for further proceedings as it considers appropriate and
take one of the following actions:

(1) if the investigating committee concludes that there has been no
violation, the investigating committee shall report its findings, conclusions, and
recommendations to the presiding officer of that branch of the legislature, and the
proceedings shall be terminated.

(2) (i) if the investigating committee concludes that a violation has
occurred, the investigating committee shall submit a written report of its findings,
conclusions, and recommendations to the presiding officer of that branch.

(ii) the report and formal record of the investigating committee
shall be public records.

(iii) the presiding officer shall cause to be introduced a simple
resolution setting forth the findings and conclusions and implementing the
recommendations made by the investigating committee.

(e) In any matter concluded by a confidential report of the investigating
committee to the presiding officer, upon request of the member the presiding officer
shall introduce a simple resolution setting forth the findings, conclusions, and
recommendations of the investigating committee.]

[15-522.

(a) Each branch of the legislature by a simple resolution shall establish an
investigating committee, as provided in Title 2, Subtitle 16 of this article, promptly
upon the beginning of the first regular session after each gubernatorial election.
Subject to further action of that branch of the legislature, that investigating
committee shall function during and between sessions throughout each year of the
term and until a new investigating committee is created.

(b) At the beginning of each regular session, the presiding officer by order
shall appoint the members of the investigating committee from the members of that