LEGISLATIVE POWERS: Provides relative to contempt of the legislature

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Candace Newell

HB 705 establishes and clarifies the Legislature’s authority and procedures for contempt, including who can adjudicate it, how hearings proceed, and potential penalties.

Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 36, nays 58. Failed to pass.

Overview

HB 705 (Louisiana, 2026) addresses contempt within the legislature. The bill appears to clarify, modify, or establish procedures and rules related to contempt of the Legislature. The specific language of the bill is not provided here, but based on its title and session actions, it focuses on legislative powers and contempt-related matters within the legislative branch.

Purpose and intent

Establish or modify the powers of the Legislature to enforce compliance and institutional authority through contempt mechanisms.

Clarify who may adjudicate contempt, under what circumstances, and what penalties or remedies apply.

Ensure orderly conduct, respect for legislative processes, and compliance with legislative subpoenas, orders, or disciplinary actions.

Key provisions and changes (as implied by title)

Definitions: Likely defines contempt in the context of the Legislature, possibly outlining the distinctions between civil and criminal contempt or similar categories.

Enforcement authority: May specify which chamber (Senate or House), committees, or officers have authority to hold individuals or entities in contempt (e.g., witnesses, officers, or non-compliant parties).

Procedures: Could establish procedural steps for contempt hearings, including notice, due process, evidence standards, and rights of the accused.

Penalties and remedies: May set forth potential penalties (fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions) or civil remedies for contempt of the Legislature.

Subpoenas and compliance: Might address enforcement of subpoenas, production of documents, or testimony when contempt is involved.

Immunity or exemptions: Possible provisions regarding immunity, privilege, or exemptions in contempt proceedings.

Who is affected

Legislators and legislative officers who may issue, enforce, or adjudicate contempt.

Witnesses, attorneys, lobbyists, or other individuals who may be compelled to testify or produce documents.

State agencies or entities subject to legislative oversight and subpoena power.

Members of the public and entities that interact with the Legislature in the context of inquiries, hearings, or investigations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The bill was referred to the Committee on House and Governmental Affairs after initial readings.

Consideration timeline: As of the latest action, the bill is under consideration by the committee, with prior provisional referral under the rules.

Next steps: If approved by the committee, it would move to the full House for debate and a vote, and then, if passed, proceed to the Senate and potentially to the governor for signature or veto.

Notes

The summary above is based on the jurisdiction, title, and stated actions of HB 705. For precise text, definitions, exact penalties, and procedural specifics, the bill’s full language and fiscal impact statement (if any) should be reviewed in the Louisiana Legislature’s official bill documents and committee notes.

Bill