RALEIGH – A state legislature ethics committee has declined a request to investigate romantic relationships between lobbyists and two of state House Speaker Thom Tillis' former aides.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reports the committee says it does not have the authority to investigate legislative employees or lobbyists, though it does govern the conduct of lawmakers in the General Assembly.

Democrats had asked the committee to investigate after two aides to the Republican resigned because of their relationships with lobbyists.

A request for the state Ethics Commission to investigate is pending.