MS HB719

Establishes criminal penalties for contempt of the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER), including fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months for refusing to appear, answer questions, or produce documents.

Creates civil enforcement alternative allowing PEER to file complaints in chancery court to compel witness compliance, with court authority to punish non-compliance as contempt of court under existing statutes.

Designates venue for contempt proceedings in the county where the subpoena was issued, where the offender was served, or where testimony was ordered to be given.

Exempts PEER from protective orders regarding trade secrets or confidential commercial and financial information, allowing the committee unrestricted access to such documents.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.