AUGUSTA — The Maine House gave final approval last week to a measure sponsored by Rep. Adam Lee, D-Auburn, that would reaffirm the Legislature’s role as the primary investigatory body within state government.
LD 273, as amended, requires two-thirds of the members present in both the House and Senate to approve any delegation of the Legislature’s authority to administer oaths to witnesses, issue subpoenas to compel testimony or documents, and take depositions to an investigatory committee created by the Governor.
“This bill ensures that the legislative branch maintains its essential function as an investigatory check on the executive branch and state agencies,” said Lee. “The Legislature is the branch of government closest to the people, and we serve as the people’s eyes and ears in Augusta. This bill ensures that we maintain that role.”
The bill now awaits funding consideration and has been placed on the Special Appropriations Table in the Senate.
Lee is serving his second term in the Maine House and is a member of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee and Government Oversight Committee. He represents House District 89, which includes a portion of Auburn, including its downtown.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Lee) | 305-965-2744