Members proposed replacing 'tiers' with four 'levels' of disciplinary conduct (minor to critical) and four criteria (intent, role, substantiation, public-trust harm) to decide whether records should be disclosed; the subcommittee agreed to workshop language and consult stakeholders.

After heated debate about the severity of Representative Hall's conduct and whether an expulsion resolution was warranted, the House Ethics Committee recorded another 4–4 split on a motion recommending expulsion; proponents cited the plea and potential misuse of qualifying forms, opponents cited jurisdictional limits and the fact no funds were received.

Clerk Hunt reviewed federal and state precedents — Powell v. McCormick, Heinz precedents, Wilbur v. Pratt — and Mason's Manual to explain when a legislative body may investigate or discipline members for conduct that predated service and whether committee authority survives adjournment.

The committee unanimously approved a motion to permit Representative Hall to be represented by counsel during proceedings and set a follow-up meeting for Sept. 9 at 9 a.m. to take testimony and review documents.

A draft letter outlining the committee's reviews of the Maine Municipal Bond Bank and the Maine Government Facilities Authority under Title 5, chapter 379, subchapter 3 was circulated for member review; the committee will consider edits and collect signatures at its next meeting.