HB240 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joseph C. Mitchell

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Legislative standing committees, granted subpoena powers, authority to administer oaths, immunity, penalty

Summary

HB240 would let Alabama’s standing legislative committees subpoena witnesses and documents, with court-backed enforcement and paid witness expenses.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes standing committees in both the House and Senate to issue subpoenas for witnesses to testify and to require the production of records needed for committee business, including subpoenas duces tecum. Subpoenas can be served by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House, with the chair of the committee signing the subpoena. If someone does not comply, the circuit court can issue injunctions and may hold the noncompliant person in contempt. Witnesses must take an oath, and there are rules about immunity and self-incrimination, including conditions for voluntary testimony; witnesses are also entitled to compensation for travel and related expenses, paid from funds appropriated to the Legislature.

Who It Affects

• Standing committees of the Alabama House and Senate, which gain authority to subpoena witnesses and demand documents to conduct committee business.
• Subpoenaed witnesses and other participants (including officials who serve subpoenas and the court that enforces them), who may be required to testify, produce documents, receive compensation, and face court-enforced compliance or contempt penalties.

Key Provisions

• Standing committees may issue subpoenas to compel attendance and the production of records needed for committee work (including subpoenas duces tecum).
• Subpoenas are served by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House, signed by the issuing committee chair, and must follow a standard form with specified sufficiency criteria.
• Noncompliance can lead to enforcement by the Circuit Court (injunctions and possible contempt penalties).
• Witnesses must take an oath or affirmation; the chair may administer oaths; perjury and contempt rules apply.
• If a witness invokes self-incrimination, there are specific procedures and voluntary-testimony options with certain rights and waivers, but testimony may still be compelled under certain conditions.
• Witnesses are entitled to compensation (including travel) paid from funds appropriated for the Legislature.
• The act supersedes conflicting laws and takes effect immediately upon passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Legislature