Rule 15.8.  Procedure in the House of Representatives

A.  When a resolution seeking the expulsion of or disciplinary action against a representative is introduced, a motion to refer the resolution to the Select Committee on Discipline and Expulsion shall be made automatically by the author of the resolution.  The motion shall require the favorable vote of a majority of the elected members of the House of Representatives for adoption.  If such motion is adopted, the presiding officer then shall announce to the House of Representatives the day and hour when the select committee shall commence its hearings on the resolution.  If no such motion is adopted, the resolution shall not be referred to any other committee but shall be returned to the calendar subject to call or otherwise disposed of.

B.  If the member in question is charged with a crime by local, state, or federal authorities, the disciplinary proceedings in the House will automatically be stayed if the member is in attendance at the session and able to perform the duties of his office, until the final disposition of said criminal charges.

C.  If the representative who is the subject of the resolution is present in the chamber when the resolution is introduced, the presiding officer shall cause the Sergeant at Arms to deliver to him a copy of the resolution and a copy of these rules, together with written notice of the day and hour when the committee will meet to commence its hearings.

D.  If the representative is not present in the chamber, the presiding officer shall inquire of the Clerk whether or not he has answered roll call or cast any vote on that legislative day.  If the Clerk informs him and the House of Representatives that the representative has not answered roll call or cast any vote, the presiding officer shall (1) appoint legal counsel to represent the absent representative before the committee at all of its proceedings and (2) direct the Sergeant at Arms to locate the representative and deliver to him, and also to the attorney appointed by the presiding officer, a copy of the resolution, a copy of these rules, a written notice of the day and hour when the select committee will commence its hearings on the resolution, and the name, address, and telephone number of the legal counsel appointed to represent him unless and until he designates legal counsel of his own choice.

E.  If, after reasonable effort, the Sergeant at Arms is unable to locate the absent representative or for any reason is unable to deliver to him the documents herein stipulated, delivery to the attorney appointed by the presiding officer shall be deemed sufficient notification to the representative.  If at any time during the proceedings in the committee the absent representative selects legal counsel to represent him or if he appears in person and notifies the committee that he does not desire to be represented, the attorney appointed by the presiding officer shall be discharged.

F.  An attorney appointed to represent an absent representative shall be compensated in accordance with the terms and conditions and in the amount determined by the chairman of the committee.  Such compensation shall be an expense of the committee, payable out of funds available to the House of Representatives for expenses of the House and committees.

HR 4, 1st Ex. Sess., 1986.