This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding legislative subpoenas and contempt proceedings. 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 committee chairperson. The order of contempt can be issued by a committee chairperson, the Senate President, or the Speaker of the House, provided that it is determined the witness had knowledge of the subpoena, the ability to comply, and failed to do so. Additionally, the bill allows for a county sheriff to arrest a witness who neglects or refuses to comply with a subpoena.

The bill also clarifies the procedures for committing a witness to contempt, specifying that it can only occur through the prescribed methods unless alternative procedures are established by the rules of either legislative house. It modifies the language regarding the arrest of a non-compliant witness, allowing for arrest by either the sergeant-at-arms or a county sheriff, and outlines the necessary documentation required for such an arrest, including an order of contempt or a resolution signed by the appropriate legislative leaders. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the enforcement of legislative subpoenas while ensuring due process for witnesses.

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