SB366 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Phillip W. Williams
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Impeachment, Legislature auth. to issue subpoenas to compel testimony and production of documents, enforcement, penalties for non-compliance
Summary: Authorizes Alabama's House and Senate to issue subpoenas in impeachment proceedings, with enforcement and penalties for non-compliance and disorderly conduct.
What This Bill Does
During impeachment proceedings, either house can compel witnesses to attend and provide testimony and require the production of documents. Subpoenas must be signed by the presiding officer or the committee chair and served like court subpoenas. If someone refuses or is disorderly, they can be arrested and may be imprisoned, possibly until the end of the impeachment proceeding or until they agree to comply, with penalties for disorderly conduct.

Who It Affects
People who may be subpoenaed in impeachment proceedings (witnesses or those who must produce documents) and who could be arrested or imprisoned for non-compliance.
The Alabama Legislature (House and Senate and their officers/committees) and law enforcement, who gain authority to issue subpoenas, enforce them, and impose penalties.

Key Provisions
Authorizes the House and Senate to issue subpoenas to compel attendance, testimony, and production of documents during impeachment proceedings.
Subpoenas must be signed by the presiding officer or committee chair and served in the same manner as court subpoenas.
Allows arrest and imprisonment of those who refuse to comply with subpoenas or who engage in disorderly conduct, with imprisonment possible until the end of the impeachment proceeding or until compliance is achieved.
Imprisonment and penalties are enforceable by the presiding officer or chair, with custody handled by the sheriff of Montgomery County, and specific time limits for return or compliance.
State that penalties for non-compliance or disorderly conduct do not bar other civil or criminal proceedings related to the same offense.
Effective date: the act becomes law immediately upon passage and 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