this resolution is offered to comply with MCL 4.101, mcl 4.541, and rule 37 of the standing rules of the house of representatives.

 

house Resolution No.60

Reps. Steven Johnson, Outman, Beeler, Maddock, Brann, Borton, Roth, Markkanen, O'Malley, Bellino, Reilly, Huizenga, Carra, Calley, Alexander, Kahle, Yaroch, Hall, Allor, Rendon and Meerman offered the following resolution:

A resolution to grant the House Standing Committee on Oversight the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and examine books, records, and files related to employee separations and severance agreements entered into by the executive branch of state government.

Whereas, Full access to accurate information is essential for sound decision making by any public or private body; and

Whereas, Standing committees of the House of Representatives, including the House Standing Committee on Oversight, may be granted the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and examine books, records, and files, pursuant to the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives and Michigan law; and

Whereas, Section 1 of 1952 PA 46, MCL 4.541, provides, in part:

...any standing or select committee of the senate or the house of representatives, and any joint select committee of the senate and house of representatives, shall be authorized to subpoena and have produced before any such committee, or inspect the records and files of any state department, board, institution or agency; and it shall be the duty of any state department, board, institution or agency to produce before the committee as required by the subpoena, or permit the members of any such committee to inspect its records and files.

; and

Whereas, Section 1 of 1931 PA 118, MCL 4.101, provides:

Committees and commissions of or appointed by the legislature may by resolution of the legislature be authorized to administer oaths, subpoena witnesses and/or to examine the books and records of any persons, partnerships or corporations involved in a matter properly before any of such committees or commissions. Any witness who neglects or refuses to obey a subpoena of any of such committees or commissions, or who refuses to be sworn or testify, or who fails on demand to produce any papers, books or documents touching any matter under investigation, or any witness or attorney who is guilty of any contempt while in attendance at any hearing before any of such committees or commissions, may be punished as for contempt of the legislature.

; and

Whereas, Pursuant to Rule 37 of the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives, the authority to issue subpoenas shall be granted by resolution; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That, pursuant to Rule 37 of the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives, MCL 4.101, and MCL 4.541, we hereby grant the House Standing Committee on Oversight the power to administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, and examine the books, records, and files of elected officers, appointees, former appointees, employees, and former employees of state departments, boards, institutions, agencies, or other bodies in the executive branch of state government related to employee separations and severance agreements entered into by the executive branch of state government.