§402. Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following words shall have the following meanings.   [PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

1.  Chair.  The "chair" is the presiding officer of the investigating committee. The chair may be the permanent chair or another member designated as temporary chair in the absence of the chair.

[PL 2019, c. 475, §26 (AMD).]

2.  Executive session.  An "executive session" is a session at which only members of the investigating committee, staff of the committee, counsel to the committee, the witness and counsel may be present.

[PL 2019, c. 475, §26 (AMD).]

3.  Interested party.  An "interested party" is any person who learns that that person has been specifically identified in testimony taken before an investigating committee and who reasonably believes that that person has been adversely affected by such testimony.

[PL 2019, c. 475, §26 (AMD).]

4.  Investigating committee.  An "investigating committee" is any committee of the Legislature which has been granted by the Legislature the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas and take depositions, as authorized by section 165, subsection 7. "Investigating committee" shall include the Legislative Council when it exercises the authority granted under section 162, subsection 4, but shall not include the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices when it exercises the authority granted under Title 1, chapter 25.

[PL 1977, c. 78, §2 (AMD).]

5.  Investigating committee action.  An "investigating committee action" is any decision arrived at formally by an investigating committee.

[PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

6.  Members.  The "members" of an investigating committee are the legislators appointed by the Legislature to serve on the committee.

[PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

7.  Quorum.  A "quorum" is a majority of the members of a legislative investigating committee.

[PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

8.  Testimony.  "Testimony" is any form of evidence received by an investigating committee.

[PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

9.  Witness.  A "witness" is any person who testifies before an investigating committee or who gives a deposition. "Witness" shall include an interested party who requests permission to testify.

[PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1975, c. 593, §3 (NEW). PL 1977, c. 78, §2 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 475, §26 (AMD).