The state senate is moving to have its own power to subpoena information from the executive branch.  Majority republicans have assured minority democrats the power won’t be used for a partisan witch-hunt.

The bill from Senate leader Rob Mayer, a Republican, will have to clear the House of Representatives and be signed by a Democratic governor before Mayer is given subpoena power.

Mayer says the authority is needed as the senate continues working on reorganizing state government to make it less costly. He says it would only be used as a last resort if an agency does not comply with requests for information.

Mayer says it would only kick in if a refusal to appear or to provide information were serious…

Mayer says the subpoena might be used to get information exempt from disclosure under the state’s open records law. 

The bill will be sent to the House by the senate next week.

 Listen to the senate debate 28:22 mp3