Utah House adopts rule creating special investigative committee to examine attorney general

The Utah House on July 3 adopted House Resolution 9,001, creating a special investigative committee to gather facts and evidence related to allegations involving the state attorney general.

The resolution, sponsored by Representative Dean Sanpai, authorizes a committee with investigative powers, including subpoena authority, and directs the committee to adopt guidelines and procedures for its work. Sanpai told the House the committee is intended to "gather facts and evidence specifically for the legislature," noting that other investigations have not been tasked with assessing fitness for public office.

Lawmakers spent hours debating the resolution's scope and safeguards. Representative Nielsen proposed an amendment (No. 11) to limit the investigation to matters tied explicitly to the Utah Constitution's impeachment provisions (Article 6) and to narrow inquiries to alleged malfeasance or fitness for office; she said she ‘‘cannot support this piece of legislation…