1. An investigator, other than a law enforcement agency, of a complaint shall provide written findings of the investigation to the ethics commission within a reasonable amount of time. The ethics commission shall provide copies of the written findings and evidence considered to the respondent, who may respond to the commission in person or in writing within a reasonable time. If the respondent responds in person, no fewer than three members of the commission shall meet in a closed meeting with the respondent. A respondent may be accompanied by legal counsel when responding to the commission in person. Upon completion of an investigation, the executive director shall prepare a report and recommendation to the commission to close the matter or

issue an alleged violation. The commission may issue an alleged violation, require additional investigation, or close the matter.

2. After providing a reasonable time for a respondent to respond to the investigation findings and considering any response to the findings, the ethics commission shall determine whether a violation of article XIV of the Constitution of North Dakota, this chapter, or another law or rule regarding transparency, corruption, elections, or lobbying occurred, and inform the respondent of the determination. If the commission determined a violation occurred, the commission may impose a penalty authorized by law for the violation or refer the matter to the agency with enforcement authority over the violation.

3. The commission may not terminate the employment of a public official or otherwise remove a public official from the public official's public office.

4. The ethics commission may not reconsider, invalidate, or overturn a decision, ruling, recommended finding of fact, recommended conclusion of law, finding of fact, conclusion of law, or order by a hearing officer under chapter 28-32 on the grounds the hearing officer failed to grant a request for disqualification under section 28-32-27 or failed to comply with subsection 5 of section 2 of article XIV of the Constitution of North Dakota.

5. The respondent may petition the commission at any time to dismiss the complaint in the manner prescribed by the commission.