AL HB171

Committee chairs in either house of the Legislature may issue subpoenas by majority vote to compel witness attendance and production of documents, provided the investigation is within legitimate legislative inquiry.

Subpoenas must state the committee name, be addressed to the witness, and require attendance at a specified time and place; service follows Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.

Witnesses are entitled to compensation and travel pay as provided for civil court witnesses, paid from legislative appropriations upon committee chair requisition.

Persons who fail to appear or produce subpoenaed material may be compelled by the Circuit Court for the 15th Judicial Circuit; violation of court orders results in contempt charges.

False testimony under oath constitutes perjury; witnesses may claim self-incrimination privilege but can be required to testify with immunity from criminal prosecution (except for perjury or contempt) if proper warnings are given and conditions are met.