Bill > SB457

This bill establishes a comprehensive new procedure for handling legislative subpoenas and enforcing compliance through a formal contempt process. When a witness fails to appear or produce records after being subpoenaed by a legislative body (such as the house, senate, or various legislative committees), the legislature can now initiate a contempt procedure that differs depending on whether they are in or out of session. If in session, a simple resolution can be introduced and adopted by a majority vote to declare contempt. If out of session, a proclamation of contempt will be sent to legislators via a poll conducted by the secretary of state, requiring a majority vote to approve. The bill creates a specific criminal misdemeanor charge of "criminal contempt of the legislature" which carries potential penalties of up to $1,000 in fines, up to 12 months in county jail, or both. The legislative leadership (such as the Speaker of the House or Senate President) would then certify the contempt finding to the attorney general for prosecution. This legislation modifies existing laws to provide a more structured and detailed process for legislative bodies to compel witness testimony and document production, with clear consequences for non-compliance.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2754