This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding legislative subpoenas and contempt. Under the new provisions, a witness who neglects or refuses to obey a legislative subpoena may be held in contempt only after being given notice and an opportunity for a hearing to present evidence, at the discretion of the chairperson. The order of contempt can be issued by any committee or the president of the Senate 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 clarifies that a witness may be committed to contempt only through the prescribed procedures unless alternative procedures are established by the rules of either house.

Furthermore, the bill allows for a county sheriff to arrest a witness who neglects or refuses to comply with a legislative subpoena. It specifies that the order of contempt must be signed by the committee chairperson, Senate President, or Speaker of the House, and countersigned by the Secretary of the Senate or Chief Clerk of the House. The bill also makes technical and conforming changes to the existing language, ensuring clarity and consistency in the enforcement of legislative subpoenas.

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