Senate Resolution No. by Senator Morris proposes an amendment to Senate Rule 13.15, which governs the subpoena power of standing and joint committees in the Louisiana Senate. The resolution seeks to eliminate the requirement for a special order from the 19th Judicial District Court before an interim committee can issue a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum. Instead, the resolution maintains that subpoenas can be issued with the written approval of the committee's President and a majority of the committee members, streamlining the process for conducting investigations during the interim between legislative sessions.
The proposed changes retain the authority of committees to hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, and administer oaths, while also preserving their power to punish for contempt and prosecute individuals for non-compliance, false swearing, or perjury. By removing the judicial order requirement, the resolution aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of legislative investigations, allowing committees to operate more autonomously in their oversight functions.