The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding legislative subpoenas and contempt proceedings. Under the new provisions, a witness may be held in contempt if they neglect to comply with a legislative subpoena after being given notice and an opportunity for a hearing to present evidence. The order of contempt would be issued by the chairperson of a committee, the Senate President, or the Speaker of the House, provided that the witness had knowledge of the subpoena, the ability to comply, and failed to do so. Additionally, the bill specifies that all testimony produced in legislative proceedings must be sworn testimony under penalty of perjury.

Furthermore, the bill expands the authority to arrest a non-compliant witness to include county sheriffs, in addition to the sergeant-at-arms. It also clarifies that the order of contempt must be signed by the appropriate legislative leaders and countersigned by the respective clerks. The amendments aim to strengthen the enforcement of legislative subpoenas and ensure the integrity of testimony provided during legislative proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-1153
House Engrossed Version: 41-1153
Senate Engrossed Version: 41-1152, 41-1153, 41-1151