Version A final setup - Florida House of Representatives

RULE SIXTEEN—PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING
INVESTIGATIVE AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS
16.1—Issuance of Subpoenas
(a) In order to carry out its duties, each standing or select committee,
whenever required, may issue subpoenas and other necessary process to compel
the attendance of witnesses before such committee or the taking of a deposition
pursuant to these rules. The chair of the committee shall issue such process on
behalf of the committee after a majority of the committee votes to approve
issuance and the Speaker has provided written approval. The chair or any other
member of such committee may administer all oaths and affirmations in the
manner prescribed by law to witnesses who shall appear before such committee
for the purpose of testifying in any matter about which such committee may
require evidence.
(b) Each standing or select committee, whenever required, may also
compel by subpoena duces tecum the production of any books, letters, or other
documentary evidence it may need to examine in reference to any matter before
it. The chair of the standing or select committee shall issue process on behalf of
the standing or select committee after a majority of the committee votes to
approve issuance and the Speaker has provided written approval.
16.2—Contempt Proceedings
(a) The House may punish, by fine or imprisonment, any person who
is not a member and who is guilty of disorderly or contemptuous conduct in its
presence or of a refusal to obey its lawful summons.
(b) A person shall be deemed in contempt if the person:
(1) Fails or refuses to appear in compliance with a subpoena or, having
appeared, fails or refuses to testify under oath or affirmation;
(2) Fails or refuses to answer any relevant question or fails or refuses
to furnish any relevant book, paper, or other document subpoenaed on behalf of
such committee; or
(3) Commits any other act or offense against such committee that, if
committed against the Legislature or either house thereof, would constitute
contempt.
(c) During a legislative session, a standing or select committee may, by
majority vote of all of its members, apply to the House for contempt citation.
The application shall be considered as though the alleged contempt had been
committed in or against the House itself. If such committee is meeting during
the interim, its application shall be made to the circuit court pursuant to Rule
16.6.
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