MS HB435

Establishes criminal penalties for willfully refusing to appear before a legislative committee, failing to answer questions, or failing to produce subpoenaed documents, with punishment of up to $1,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment or both.

Creates alternative civil enforcement mechanism allowing legislative committees to file complaints in chancery court to compel witness compliance, with court-ordered violations constituting contempt of court.

Allows legislative committees to delegate subpoena power to subcommittees by majority vote and permits committees to request Attorney General assistance or contract counsel for enforcement actions.

Prohibits protective court orders from preventing legislative committees, the Attorney General, State Auditor, or Ethics Commission from accessing confidential commercial or financial information records.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.