Texas Government Code 301.027 – Prosecution for Contempt of Legislature
(a) If a person is summoned by either house or any legislative committee as prescribed by § 301.024 and fails to appear, refuses to answer relevant questions, or fails to produce required books, papers, records, or documents while the legislature is in session, the fact of the failure may be reported to either house. If the legislature is not in session, a statement of facts concerning the failure may be reported to and filed with the president of the senate or speaker of the house.
(b) If the president of the senate or speaker receives a report or statement of facts as provided by Subsection (a), the president of the senate or speaker shall certify the statement of facts to the appropriate prosecuting attorney as provided under § 411.0253(d) under the seal of the senate or house of representatives, as appropriate.
Terms Used In Texas Government Code 301.027
- Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
- Grand jury: agreement providing that a lender will delay exercising its rights (in the case of a mortgage,
- Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
- Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
(c) The prosecuting attorney to whom a statement of facts is certified under Subsection (a) or the prosecutor selected under § 411.0255, if applicable, shall bring the matter before the grand jury for action. If the grand jury returns an indictment, the prosecuting attorney shall prosecute the indictment.