“§ 60. Testimony before legislative committees. A legislative committee may require the attendance of witnesses in this state whom the committee may wish to examine, or may issue a commission for the examination of witnesses who are out of the state or unable to attend the committee or excused from attendance, which commission if directed by the house or legislature by which the committee is appointed may be executed during the recess of the legislature. A commission issued as provided by this section shall be in the form used in the courts of record of this state and shall be executed in like manner. Unless otherwise instructed by the committee appointing them the commissioners shall examine privately every witness attending before them and shall not make public the particulars of such examination. No committee of either house or a joint committee of both houses shall have the power to take testimony at a private hearing or at a public hearing unless at least two of its members are present at such hearing” (New York Laws, Article 4 § 60).
“§ 61. Subcommittees. Whenever any committee of either house or a joint committee of both houses of the legislature shall be required to make an inquiry or investigation, such committee may appoint a subcommittee of not less than three of its own members to make such inquiry or investigation, and to take testimony in relation thereto; and such committee or subcommittee and the chairman thereof shall respectively have all the powers and authority, which are conferred by law upon any committee which is authorized to send for persons or papers, or upon the chairman thereof. No subcommittee shall have the power to take testimony at a private hearing or at a public hearing unless at least two of its members are present at such hearing” (New York Laws, Article 4 § 61).
“§ 62-a. Subpoenas; oaths. The chairman, vice-chairman or a majority of a legislative committee may issue a subpoena requiring a person to attend before the committee and be examined in reference to any matter within the scope of the inquiry or investigation being conducted by the committee, and, in a proper case, to bring with him, a book or paper. The provisions of the civil practice law and rules in relation to enforcing obedience to a subpoena lawfully issued by a judge, arbitrator, referee or other person in a matter not arising in an action in a court of record apply to a subpoena issued by a legislative committee as authorized by this section. Any member of a legislative committee may administer an oath to a witness” (New York Laws, Article 4 § 62-a).
Assembly Rules #
“All standing committees shall operate on an annual basis and their jurisdiction shall include, but not be limited to, the subject matter of each bill or resolution referred to them by the Speaker. Each standing committee shall propose legislative action and conduct such studies and investigations as may relate to matter within their jurisdiction. Each standing committee shall, furthermore, devote substantial efforts to the oversight and analysis of the activities, including but not limited to the implementation and administration of programs, of departments, agencies, divisions, authorities, boards, commissions, public benefit corporations and other entities within its jurisdiction” (Assembly Rule 1-d).
Senate Rules #
“c. Committee oversight function. Each standing committee is required to conduct oversight of the administration of laws and programs by agencies within its jurisdiction.
“d. Each standing committee is required to file with the Secretary of the Senate an annual report, detailing its legislative and oversight activities. Such report shall be posted to the Senate web site.” (Senate Rule 5).
