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Committee advances bill making failure to obey subpoena a prosecutable offense
Summary
The committee passed Senate Bill 355, which would expand prosecution options for persons who knowingly fail to obey subpoenas to testify in court. Sponsor Representative Ken Underwood said the measure will help courts move dockets and assist prosecutors and defenders.
Senate Bill 355, carried in the House by Rep. Ken Underwood, passed the House Judiciary Committee with no public opposition and limited discussion.
Ken Underwood, state representative for District 16, said the bill clarifies and expands criminal consequences for knowingly failing to appear after being served a subpoena. “If you are served a subpoena and you knowingly do not appear to testify at court, this gives prosecutors another opportunity to prosecute those individuals who choose not to show up for court,” Underwood told the committee.
Underwood said he worked with public defenders and prosecutors while drafting the bill and described it as neutral and useful for moving dockets along. No members of the public signed up to testify for or against the measure.
After the sponsor closed, the committee made a motion to pass and voted to approve the bill. The measure will proceed to the next stage of House consideration.
