Sec. 301.020. POWERS AND DUTIES OF GENERAL INVESTIGATING COMMITTEES. (a) Each general investigating committee may initiate or continue inquiries and hearings concerning:

(1) state government;

(2) any agency or subdivision of government within the state;

(3) the expenditure of public funds at any level of government within the state; and

(4) any other matter the committee considers necessary for the information of the legislature or for the welfare and protection of state citizens.

(b) Each general investigating committee may inspect the records, documents, and files and may examine the duties, responsibilities, and activities of each state department, agency, and officer and of each municipality, county, or other political subdivision of the state.

(c) If a person disobeys a subpoena or other process that a general investigating committee lawfully issues, the committee may cite the person for contempt and cause the person to be prosecuted for contempt according to the procedure prescribed by this chapter or by other law.

(d) Each general investigating committee shall make reports to members of the legislature that the committee determines are necessary and appropriate.

(e) Information held by a general investigating committee is confidential and not subject to public disclosure except as provided by the rules of the house establishing the committee.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1005, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Amended by:

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1250 (H.B. 4181), Sec. 9, eff. June 14, 2019.