(a) The council may appoint a committee of at least three members to hold a public hearing.
(b) The committee may:
(1) order the production of books or other documents;
(2) require a report from a state court, including a court that is not a court of record;
(3) administer oaths; or
(4) take testimony.

Terms Used In Texas Government Code 71.036

  • in writing: includes any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by writing, printing, or other means. See Texas Government Code 312.011
  • Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
  • Signature: includes the mark of a person unable to write, and "subscribe" includes the making of such a mark. See Texas Government Code 312.011
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

(c) An officer of the council, either prior to or while sitting at a hearing, or a member of the council sitting at a hearing may issue a subpoena or similar order to a prospective witness under his official signature.
(d) The subpoena or similar order may be served by registered or certified mail or by an adult person.
(e) If a witness fails to comply with a subpoena or similar order issued as provided by this section, the council or its committee holding the hearing may request in writing that a district judge of the county of residence of the witness enforce its subpoena or similar order. When requested to enforce a subpoena or order as provided by this section, the district judge shall order compliance with the council’s order by the same means that the judge may compel the appearance and testimony of witnesses in a trial in his own court.