In case of the failure on the part of any person to comply with any subpoena issued in behalf of the joint committee, or on the refusal of any witness to testify to any matters regarding which he or she may be lawfully interrogated, it shall be the duty of the superior court of any county, or of the judge thereof, on application of the joint committee, to compel obedience by proceedings for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify therein.

NOTES:

Contempt: Chapter 7.21 RCW.
Legislative inquiry: Chapter 44.16 RCW.
Witness refusing to attend legislature or committee or to testify: RCW 9.55.020.

Terms Used In Washington Code 44.28.120

  • Joint committee: Committees including membership from both houses of teh legislature. Joint committees are usually established with narrow jurisdictions and normally lack authority to report legislation.
  • person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Testify: Answer questions in court.