SB69 Summary

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

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

• Persons who fail to appear, testify, or produce documents in response to a legislative subpoena violate the act; the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit may enforce compliance and punish contempt.

• Witnesses testifying before committees receive automatic immunity from criminal prosecution based on their testimony, except for perjury or contempt charges, unless they affirmatively waive immunity in writing.

• Subpoenaed witnesses are entitled to compensation and travel pay equivalent to civil court witness fees, paid by the State Comptroller from legislative appropriations; the act takes effect immediately upon passage.