House Rules #
“Oversight Powers and Responsibilities of Committees and Subcommittees:
“(a) Committees and subcommittees, including oversight
committees and policy committees, are authorized:
- “1. to maintain a continuous review of the work of the state agencies concerned with their subject areas and the performance of the functions of government within each subject area;
- “2. to invite public officials, public employees, and private individuals to appear before the committees or subcommittees to submit information;
- “3. to request reports from departments and agencies performing functions reasonably related to the committees’ jurisdictions;
- “4. to complete the interim projects assigned by the Speaker; and
- “5. to conduct such other business as directed by the Speaker.
“(b) Each committee or subcommittee, including any oversight committee or policy committee, has the reasonable right and authority to inspect and investigate the books, records, papers, documents, data, operation, and physical plant of any public agency in this state.
“(c) The chairperson, vice–chairperson, or a member designated by the chairperson or vice–chairperson may
administer all oaths and affirmations to witnesses who appear before such committees to testify in any matter requiring evidence.
“(d) In order to carry out the duties of the committee, and its subcommittees, the chairperson of each committee with approval of the Speaker, may issue subpoenas and other necessary process to compel the attendance of witnesses either before the committee or subcommittee or at deposition and the production of any books, letters, or other documentary evidence required by such committee.
“(e) In the event a committee must subpoena a witness or witnesses, or otherwise subpoena production of documents, materials, or other evidence, such subpoenas shall be limited to matters reasonably related to the areas of legislative responsibility delegated to the committee and shall be within the reasonable scope of the committee’s investigation.
“(f) If the committee shall require the deposition of witnesses, either residing within or without the state, such
depositions shall be taken in the manner prescribed by law for the taking of depositions in civil actions in the district courts. Witnesses shall be paid the same fees and mileage as are paid in civil cases in district courts” (House Rule 7.13).
Senate Rules #
“DUTIES OF LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES. Each legislative committee shall be responsible for the formulation of legislative programs and determination of non-legislative matters and Executive Nominations within the jurisdiction prescribed by the President Pro Tempore; shall inquire into the administration and execution of all laws and administrative rules within the same jurisdiction; shall consider such proposals as may be submitted to the committee by the President Pro Tempore; and shall be responsible for the continuing codification of all laws within the prescribed jurisdiction” (Senate Rule 7-4).
“DUTIES OF SELECT COMMITTEES. Select committees shall be responsible for such duties as are prescribed at the time of their formation. No select committee shall be formed without its duties being expressly stated at the time of its formation. If a select committee is appointed for the purpose of conducting an investigation, the Senator requesting the investigation shall not serve as Chair of the committee” (Senate Rule 7-5).
“AUTHORITY OF COMMITTEES. Any Senate committee is authorized to issue process, compel attendance of witnesses, and to administer oaths to any person appearing before the committee. Any Senate committee which considers legislation is empowered to consolidate bills or resolutions, to develop committee substitutes for such bills or resolutions, to amend such bills or resolutions and to develop a committee bill or resolution irrespective of any other legislation” (Senate Rule 7-6).
