HI SR198

Establishes the Senate Special Investigating Committee on COVID-19 to operate during the 2020 interim, converting the existing Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 into an investigating committee with expanded powers.

Grants the committee authority to assess state and county COVID-19 plans and procedures, review their implementation, monitor expenditure of federal and state COVID-19 relief funds, and issue subpoenas.

Committee powers include adopting rules, issuing subpoenas for witnesses and documents, holding hearings, administering oaths, reporting contempt, and determining how proceedings are recorded.

Current chair and members of the Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 automatically serve on the new investigating committee in their respective capacities.

Committee must submit written findings and recommendations to the Senate before the 2021 Regular Session convenes and ceases to exist upon adjournment of the 2021 Regular Session unless extended.