1. (a) Unless the alleged victim objects, the Joint Ethics Committee shall refer a complaint for evaluation to an outside and independent investigator selected by the Joint Ethics Committee if the complaint alleges that a member of the General Assembly has:

   1. (1) violated the antiharassment policy and procedures of the General Assembly; or
   2. (2) retaliated against an individual for reporting or participating in the investigation of a violation of the antiharassment policy and procedures of the General Assembly.
2. (b) The investigator shall submit its findings and recommendations regarding a complaint evaluated under subsection (a) of this section to the Joint Ethics Committee.

3. (c)

   1. (1) If the investigator does not recommend dismissal of the complaint after completing the evaluation, the investigator shall investigate the complaint.
   2. (2) After the investigator completes the evaluation and at the recommendation of the investigator, the Joint Ethics Committee may dismiss a complaint before the completion of an investigation.
4. (d) The investigator shall submit its findings and recommendations regarding a complaint investigated under subsection (c)(1) of this section to the Joint Ethics Committee for further proceedings in accordance with this subtitle.
5. (e) The Joint Ethics Committee shall advise the complainant of the findings and recommendations of the investigator and provide, in accordance with § 5-518(b)(2) of this subtitle, a notice of the Joint Ethics Committee's actions.

6. (f)

   1. (1) The Joint Ethics Committee may remove an outside and independent investigator selected under this subsection only for good cause.
   2. (2) If the Joint Ethics Committee refers a matter to a prosecuting authority, the Joint Ethics Committee may direct an outside and independent investigator to delay an investigation at the request of a prosecuting authority.

Added by Acts 2018, c. 525, § 1, eff. May 8, 2018.