S.B. No. 34 amends Section 301.025 of the Government Code to clarify the rights and obligations of witnesses called to testify before the Texas legislature or its committees. The bill establishes that witnesses may not refuse to testify or produce evidence for any reason, except if the testimony or evidence may incriminate them. It also allows legislative bodies to compel testimony or the production of documents even if a witness claims that doing so may incriminate them. Furthermore, if a witness testifies under compulsion while claiming potential self-incrimination, that testimony cannot be used against them in any criminal prosecution, except for cases involving perjury or false statements.

Additionally, the bill affirms the right of witnesses to have legal counsel present when testifying before the legislature or its committees. This change aims to ensure that witnesses are aware of their rights and protections while participating in legislative inquiries. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will become effective 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 301.025 (Government Code 301)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 301.025 (Government Code 301)
Engrossed: Government Code 301.025 (Government Code 301)