Legislative committee chairs could hold witnesses in contempt for ignoring subpoenas

A committee chairperson, the Senate president, or the House speaker could hold a witness in contempt by order, in addition to a vote of the Senate or House. This applies to witnesses who ignore a legislative subpoena or refuse to testify. The witness must get notice and, at the chairperson's discretion, an opportunity for a hearing to show why they are not in contempt. The order must find that the witness knew about the subpoena, was able to comply, and did not comply. A house may use a different procedure if its own rules provide one.

The sergeant-at-arms or a county sheriff could arrest a witness who ignores a subpoena and bring the witness before the Senate or House. This applies to witnesses who neglect or refuse to attend as a subpoena requires. The arrest must rest on a copy of the contempt order signed by the chairperson, Senate president, or House speaker, or on a copy of a resolution signed by the president or speaker. Either copy must be countersigned by the Senate secretary or the House chief clerk.