(A) The state’s Rules of Civil Procedure and the state’s Rules of Evidence shall not apply to hearings conducted by the Board of Ethics; however, the hearings shall be conducted in accordance with this section and in accordance with any additional rules and regulations adopted by the Board so as to afford all parties the full range of due process rights required by the nature of the proceedings.
(B) Prior to the commencement of the hearing, the alleged violator, or his or her representative, shall have a reasonable opportunity to examine all documents and records obtained or prepared by the board in connection with the matter to be heard. The Board shall inform the alleged violator, or his or her representative, of any exculpatory evidence in its possession.
(C) Any person whose name is mentioned during the hearing and who may be adversely affected thereby may appear personally before the Board, with or without counsel, to give a statement regarding the adverse mention, or may file a written statement regarding the adverse mention for incorporation into the record of the proceeding.
(D) All hearings of the Board of Ethics shall be public, unless the members vote to go into executive session in accordance with KRS 61.810.
(E) After the conclusion of the hearing, the Board of Ethics shall, as soon as practicable, begin deliberations in executive session for the purpose of reviewing the evidence before it and making a determination whether a violation of this chapter has been proven. The Board shall issue a written report of its findings and conclusions.
(F) If the Board concludes in its report that no violation of this chapter has occurred, it shall immediately send written notice of this determination to the officer or employee who was the subject of the complaint and to the party who filed the complaint.
(G) If the Board concludes in its report that, in consideration of the evidence produced at the hearing, there is clear and convincing proof of a violation of this chapter, the Board may take any action it deems necessary including, but not limited to, issuing a cease and desist order, issuing a written public reprimand, recommending a specific discipline, including dismissal, or removal from office, or referring criminal evidence to the proper authority.
(2008 Code, § 2.32.230)