Loading chat...

GA SB7

Bill

Official Source

Status

Engrossed

3/12/2009

Primary Sponsor

Ed Tarver

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2009-2010 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Chairpersons of any General Assembly committee or subcommittee may, at their discretion, require witnesses to take an oath or affirmation before providing testimony
  • The prescribed oath follows standard courtroom language: "Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you shall give before this committee (subcommittee) shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"
  • Chairpersons are authorized to have sworn testimony recorded, and only recorded statements can serve as the basis for criminal penalties against a witness
  • Any person who knowingly and willfully makes a false or fraudulent recorded statement—either in response to a direct question from a legislator or a statement a committee member might reasonably rely on in legislative decisions—is guilty of false swearing under Code Section 16-10-71
  • Members of the General Assembly whose speech or debate is constitutionally privileged are exempt from the requirements of this Act

Legislative Description

Truth in Testimony Act; require an oath for purposes of presenting certain evidence to committee/subcommittee of General Assembly

Last Action

House Passed/Adopted

4/27/2010

Committee Referrals

Judiciary3/17/2009
Special Judiciary1/12/2009

Full Bill Text

No bill text available