(a) The Rhode Island ethics commission is hereby empowered to investigate and adjudicate allegations of violations of this chapter in accordance with the provisions of § 36-14-13 (a) — (f). Upon a finding of violation of this chapter, the adjudicatory panel of the ethics commission may issue an order requiring the violator to pay a civil penalty in accordance with § 36-14.1-3.
(b) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the attorney general to enforce the provisions of this chapter.