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O_SCE_2024A 07/08/2024 09:33:07 AM Committee Summary

PUBLIC
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING
OTHER COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON SENATE COMMITTEE ON ETHICS
Date 07/08/2024
Attendance
Coleman X
Gardner X
Roberts X
Lundeen X
Gonzales X
Time 09:33:07 AM to 01:03:04 PM
Place SCR 352
This Meeting was called to order by Gonzales
This Report was prepared by Katie Ruedebusch
Hearing Items Action Taken
Status Update Committee Discussion Only
Committee Discussion of Next Steps

Status Update - Committee Discussion Only


09:33:32 AM  
Chair Gonzales called the meeting to order. She discussed the status of the committee's proceedings and the meeting's agenda.



Committee Discussion of Next Steps -




09:36:03 AM
Motion Move that the Senate Ethics Committee meet in executive session in accordance with Section 24-6-402 (3)(a)(II) for the purpose of conducting attorney-client discussions and receiving legal advice concerning how the committee may proceed in this matter under Senate Rule 43 and other pertinent and applicable rules and statutes.
Moved Gardner
Seconded
Coleman Yes
Gardner Yes
Roberts Yes
Lundeen Yes
Gonzales Yes
YES: 5   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS
11:07:04 AM  
The committee adjourned its executive session and resumed the meeting.
11:09:58 AM  
Chair Gonzales discussed the evidence received to date and closed the evidentiary record.
11:13:28 AM  
Committee discussion ensued on the committee's next steps.
11:46:45 AM  
The committee took a brief recess.
11:47:20 AM  
The committee came back to order.


12:08:17 PM
Motion Move that committee find by preponderance of the evidence and totality of the circumstances that on April 3, 2024, Senator Winter failed to meet the standard of Senate Rule 41 to promote public integrity and public confidence informed by a pattern of conduct as demonstrated by the evidence before the committee with additional evidence of mitigating circumstances.
Moved Gardner
Seconded
Coleman No
Gardner Yes
Roberts Yes
Lundeen Yes
Gonzales Yes
Final YES: 4   NO: 1   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS


12:39:21 PM
Motion Move the committee recommend that the Senate President prepare and deliver a letter to Senator Winter admonishing her for the conduct on April 3, 2024, and the underlying pattern of that conduct and encouraging her to continue her course of rehabilitation and that the letter include conduct expected of Senators under Rule 41. In addition, Senator Winter should be invited the opportunity to address the full Senate about her conduct that formed the basis of the complaint on April 3, 2024.
Moved Gardner
Seconded
Coleman Yes
Gardner Yes
Roberts Yes
Lundeen Yes
Gonzales Yes
YES: 5   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS


12:40:16 PM
Motion Move that the committee recommend that Senator Winter be made aware that if she fails to uphold her duties and expectations under Senate Rule 41 or fails to continue addressing the issues addressed in the complaint, Senate leadership or Senate members may take action by resolution to the full Senate for sanctions without need to refer to a future ethics committee.
Moved Gardner
Seconded
Coleman No
Gardner Yes
Roberts Yes
Lundeen Yes
Gonzales Yes
YES: 4   NO: 1   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS


12:43:35 PM
Motion Move the chair or vice chair, or their designees, draft a final report of the committee and that fellow committee members be allowed input for the report. The chair and vice chair may finalize the report. Members may be permitted to submit any concurrence or minority report in addition to the committee's report which would be included in the transmission to the Senate President.
Moved Gardner
Seconded
Coleman Yes
Gardner Yes
Roberts Yes
Lundeen Yes
Gonzales Yes
YES: 5   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS
12:54:44 PM  

The committee discussed a motion related to possible changes to Senate Rule 43.  Senator Roberts made a motion, but withdrew his request.  The committee will informally continue discussions on improving the clarity of Rule 43.

12:58:52 PM  

Chair Gonzales made closing remarks and thanked the committee for their work.


01:03:04 PM   The committee adjourned.