Bill > HR0127

This resolution amends House Rule 23 to change the language around administering oaths in legislative committees from discretionary to mandatory. Specifically, it requires standing committees, special committees, and the Committee of the Whole to administer oaths to witnesses who are not members of the General Assembly, whereas previously these committees had the option but were not required to do so. The resolution maintains existing provisions allowing committee chairs or presiding officers to administer oaths, and preserves the ability to compel testimony through subpoenas. The rule can still only be suspended by an affirmative vote of 71 members. In the case of special committees with co-chairs from different political parties, the majority caucus co-chair is considered the "Chairperson" for the purposes of this rule. The change appears to strengthen the committees' ability to obtain sworn testimony during legislative proceedings by removing the discretionary language and making oath administration mandatory.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=127&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HR&SessionID=114&GA=104