(1) The Commission shall have the authority set out in SCR 4.020 without regard to separation of a judge from office or defeat of a candidate in an election, except as specifically limited in SCR 4.000 to SCR 4.300.

(2) For any violation related to campaign conduct in a primary or general election, the authority of the Commission to take action shall be barred unless notice of preliminary investigation pursuant to SCR 4.170 has been issued by the Commission within 180 days of the date of the general election following the campaign as to which the conduct relates.

(3) For any violation other than a campaign violation, the authority of the Commission to take action against a judge who has left office shall be barred unless notice of preliminary investigation pursuant to SCR 4.170 has been issued within 180 days after the date the judge leaves office.

(4) Nothing in SCR 4.000 to 4.300 shall bar proceedings against sitting judges who have left judicial office after a prior term of office concerning conduct not previously adjudicated by the Commission, including conduct which occurred during a prior term or terms of office.