Committee debates larger contempt penalties for witnesses; author defers bill for revisions

Representative N. Newell introduced House Bill 705 on March 24, proposing expanded contempt authority for the legislature that would increase the fine for willful refusal to appear or to answer questions from $1,000 to $50,000 and permit arrest for disorderly conduct during proceedings. Newell said the higher penalty would give the legislature "teeth" to compel truthful testimony and to discourage witnesses who treat appearances as optional.

Several committee members pushed back on the scope and the amount. Representative Carter called a jump from $1,000 to $50,000 “a lot of money” and warned it could unfairly burden private citizens. Representative Billings and others asked how the bill would protect peaceful protesters and whistleblowers and whether immediate-arrest language could be abused. Multiple members urged staggered penalties—smaller fines for first offenses, escalating for repeats—and clearer definitions of "disruptive conduct." Representative Boyd recommended tying harsher enforcement to formal subpoenas rather than informal requests.

David Bordelon, ethics administrator for the Louisiana Board of Ethics, did not testify on this bill but earlier committee discussions emphasized the need for clear boundaries; several members said existing contempt authority (a $1,000 fine and up to six months’ imprisonment) already exists but is rarely enforced. Newell said she would consider lowering the top amount and adding procedural protections; she agreed to voluntarily defer the bill to allow members and staff to craft amendments that clarify due process, stagger penalties, and limit immediate-arrest authority to truly egregious disruptions.

The committee did not vote on the bill; Representative Newell asked that it be held in committee while sponsors and staff work on language, and members agreed.