Michigan § 15.345 - Board of ethics; powers and duties.

The board shall:

Receive complaints concerning alleged unethical conduct by a public officer or employee from any person or entity, inquire into the circumstances surrounding the alleged unethical conduct, and make recommendations concerning individual cases to the appointing authority with supervisory responsibility for the person whose activities have been investigated. All departments of state government shall cooperate with the board of ethics in the conduct of its investigations.

Initiate investigations of practices that could affect ethical conduct of a public officer or employee.

Hold public hearings.

Administer oaths and receive sworn testimony.

Issue and publish advisory opinions upon request from a public officer or employee or their appointing or supervisory authority relating to matters affecting ethical conduct of a public officer or employee.

In the issuance of investigative reports and recommendations and advisory opinions, the board shall be advised as to legal matters by the attorney general.

When a recommendation to an appointing authority is made by the board which affects a classified employee, the appointing authority shall initiate appropriate proceedings in accordance with such recommendation and pursuant to the rules of the civil service commission.

When a recommendation to an appointing authority is made by the board concerning an unclassified employee or appointee, the appointing authority shall take appropriate disciplinary action which may include dismissal.