HB557 Summary

• Standing committees of the Alabama House of Representatives and Senate may issue subpoenas to compel witness attendance and production of documents for committee business.

• Committee subpoenas must be signed by the committee chair, served by the Secretary of the Senate or Clerk of the House, and follow the same form as court subpoenas.

• Persons who fail to appear, answer questions, or produce requested documents after being subpoenaed may be reported to the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit for enforcement and contempt proceedings.

• Witnesses testifying under compulsion may receive immunity from criminal prosecution for testimony given unless the committee provides specific notice allowing witnesses to testify without immunity.

• Subpoenaed witnesses are entitled to compensation and travel pay consistent with civil court witness fees, paid from legislative appropriations.