State Republicans Unveil Bold Plan to Penalize Legislative Perjury

Arizona lawmakers have passed House Bill 2824, which empowers committee chairs to issue subpoenas without needing majority approval. This measure allows them to send sheriffs to compel individuals to testify or provide documents.

The bill establishes that any testimony given to legislative committees is deemed sworn, potentially leading to perjury charges against those who provide false information.

Republican Representative Tony Rivero, the bill’s sponsor, argues the new powers are essential for the legislative process, particularly in obtaining timely answers from executive branch officials. He stated that the Legislature needs responsiveness to fulfill its role as the state’s primary lawmaking body.

The fate of the bill now rests in the hands of Governor Katie Hobbs. As a Democrat, her approval of a bill that could compel her administration’s heads to testify is uncertain.

Rivero emphasized the urgency of the matter, highlighting the limited two-year terms of state lawmakers, and expressed frustration with perceived bureaucratic delays in responding to legislative inquiries.

While existing procedures for compelling testimony require a majority vote, the new bill simplifies this process. It grants individual committee chairs unilateral authority to enforce subpoenas, a change that Rivero believes will lead to more efficient information gathering.

The bill’s design was partly influenced by past events, notably the 2021 investigation into the presidential election results. During this inquiry, a Republican-led effort to subpoena ballots was hindered by internal divisions within the party.

Rivero maintains that the legislation is not directly related to those prior events but seeks to ensure more streamlined legislative oversight. He expressed confidence that the new powers would not be misused, as cooperation between both parties is crucial.

The measure also includes a provision introduced by Senator Jake Hoffman, stating that all testimony during legislative proceedings must be under the penalty of perjury, heightening accountability for those providing information.

Democrat Senator Mitzi Epstein raised concerns about whether the bill goes far enough to address potential dishonesty from legislators themselves. She questioned the implications of allowing lawmakers to make unverified statements during hearings.

Hoffman acknowledged the need for honesty in all testimonies and clarified that the focus of the bill is on those lobbying for legislation. The measure now returns to the House for further consideration of the changes made in the Senate.