Hobbs Strikes Down Arizona GOP’s Controversial “Weaponization” of Legislative Contempt Authority

The Arizona Legislature will not gain the authority to involve county sheriff’s offices in enforcing subpoenas thanks to Governor Katie Hobbs’ recent veto of a controversial bill. This legislation, passed by GOP lawmakers last month, aimed to empower individual legislators, such as the Senate president or House speaker, to hold witnesses in contempt without requiring a full chamber vote.

Additionally, the measure sought to impose penalties for witnesses testifying before legislative committees, including the possibility of perjury charges and significant prison time for false statements. In her veto letter, Hobbs expressed concerns that the bill could be used to intimidate Arizonans, arguing that such powers should reside with the entire legislative body rather than individual legislators.

The controversy echoes previous conflicts, including a 2021 incident where Senate Republicans attempted to find the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in contempt. This effort followed the board’s refusal to comply with subpoenas related to a partisan audit of the 2020 election results, but the vote ended in a tie.

Hobbs’ veto comes in the wake of significant political events, like the removal of former Representative Liz Harris in 2023 after she misled a committee by inviting a witness to testify about unfounded conspiracy allegations against several state officials. The credibility of testimony in legislative contexts has become a focal point in Arizona politics.

House Bill 2824 had garnered unanimous Republican support in both the House and Senate, highlighting the partisan divisions on such legislative powers.