3.20.200 - Procedures and action.

A.

Any person who violates this Act is subject to civil enforcement proceedings before the Public Ethics Commission pursuant to the Commission's General Complaint Procedures. No complaint alleging a violation of any provision of this Act shall be filed with the Public Ethics Commission more than four years after the date the violation occurred.

B.

If the Public Ethics Commission finds a violation of this Act, the Commission may: (1) Find mitigating circumstances and take no further action; (2) issue a public statement or reprimand, or (3) impose a civil penalty in accordance with this Act.

(Ord. 12782 § 3 (part), 2007; Ord. 12431 (part), 2002)

3.20.210 - Civil penalties.

A.

Civil penalties shall be imposed by resolution of the Public Ethics Commission.

B.

Except as otherwise specified in this Act, the Commission may impose penalties of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each complaint sustained.

C.

If any civil penalty imposed by the Public Ethics Commission is not timely paid, the Commission shall refer the debt to the appropriate city agency or department for collection.

(Ord. 12782 § 3 (part), 2007; Ord. 12431 (part), 2002)

3.20.220 - Criminal violation.

A.

Any person who knowingly or willfully violates the provisions of this Act is guilty of a misdemeanor.

B.

The prosecution of any misdemeanor violation of this Act shall commence within four years after the date on which the alleged violation occurred.

C.

No person convicted of a misdemeanor violation of this Act may act as a lobbyist, render consultation or advice to any registered client, or otherwise attempt to influence a governmental action for compensation for one year after such conviction.

(Ord. 12782 § 3 (part), 2007)

3.20.230 - Effective date.

The effective date of this Act shall be September 1, 2002.

(Ord. 12782 § 3 (part), 2007)

3.20.240 - Severability.

The provisions of this Chapter are declared to be separate and severable. The invalidity of ay clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section or portion of this Chapter, or the invalidity of the application thereof to any person or circumstances, shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Chapter, or the validity of its application to other persons or circumstances.

(Ord. 12782 § 3 (part), 2007)