49-14,125. Preliminary investigation; terminated, when; violation; effect; powers of commission; subsequent proceedings; records.

(1) If, after a preliminary investigation, it is determined by a majority vote of the commission that there is no probable cause for belief that a person has violated the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act or any rule or regulation adopted and promulgated thereunder or if the commission determines that there is insufficient evidence to reasonably believe that the person could be found to have violated the act, the commission shall terminate the investigation and so notify the complainant and the person who had been under investigation.

(2) If, after a preliminary investigation, it is determined by a majority vote of the commission that there is probable cause for belief that the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act or a rule or regulation adopted and promulgated thereunder has been violated and if the commission determines that there is sufficient evidence to reasonably believe that the person could be found to have violated the act, the commission shall initiate appropriate proceedings to determine whether there has in fact been a violation. The commission may appoint a hearing officer to preside over the proceedings.

(3) All proceedings of the commission pursuant to this section shall be by closed session attended only by those persons necessary to the investigation of the alleged violation, unless the person alleged to be in violation of the act or any rule or regulation adopted and promulgated thereunder requests an open session.

(4) The commission shall have the powers possessed by the courts of this state to issue subpoenas in connection with proceedings under this section, and the district court shall have jurisdiction to enforce such subpoenas.

(5) All testimony shall be under oath which shall be administered by a member of the commission, the hearing officer, or any other person authorized by law to administer oaths and affirmations.

(6) Any person who appears before the commission shall have all of the due process rights, privileges, and responsibilities of a witness appearing before the courts of this state.

(7) All witnesses summoned before the commission shall receive reimbursement as paid in like circumstances in the district court.

(8) Any person whose name is mentioned during a proceeding of the commission and who may be adversely affected thereby shall be notified and may appear personally before the commission on that person's own behalf or file a written statement for incorporation into the record of the proceeding.

(9) The commission shall cause a record to be made of all proceedings pursuant to this section.

(10) At the conclusion of proceedings concerning an alleged violation, the commission shall deliberate on the evidence and determine whether there has been a violation of the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act.

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