§3-1B-4. Hearing; disposition; sanctions.

If a majority of the commission determines that there is a reasonable likelihood that a candidate for public office who subscribes to the code of fair campaign practices has violated a provision of the code, then the commission shall inform the candidate in writing and notify the candidate in writing that the candidate has ten days from receipt of the notice to request a hearing. If the candidate requests a hearing, then one shall be scheduled within ten days after such request. Said hearing may be continued only for good cause shown. If a majority of the commission determines, based upon clear and convincing evidence, after a hearing or after a candidate has declined to request a hearing, that such candidate has violated a provision of the code, the commission may issue a public opinion stating the candidate has committed a violation of the code. If the commission does not find by clear and convincing evidence that a subscribing candidate has violated a provision of the code, then the commission shall issue a public statement that the candidate has not violated the code. Said statement shall be issued on the same day of the hearing.