Bill to prohibit lying in the state Capitol takes a step forward

A Senate committee early this morning shook the state Capitol to its foundation by passing out S.B. 7, a bill that would make it a felony to give false testimony before the Legislature.

In other words, at present it is perfectly legal to lie before House and Senate committees. Perhaps even required. If this measure passes, it would not be.

S.B. 7 is designed to force the truth from lobbyists and other witnesses. But it would not apply to lawmakers.

“We need it in Georgia. We need it to improve the quality of information coming before the General Assembly,” said state Sen. Ed Tarver (D-Augusta).

The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate Special Judiciary Committee, chaired by John Wiles (R-Kennesaw).

Not all testimony given before legislative committees would be included under the truth-telling bill. A committee chairman would first have to place a witness under oath. Then the chairman would have to make a decision to have the testimony recorded.

Lawmakers would not be covered by S.B. 7 because they enjoy the constitutional protection that comes with the right to free debate in the state Capitol, Tarver said.

Even so, there is much talk here that this bill should include a fiscal note, because it might force the construction of several new prisons.

Similar measures are working their way through the House that would give some committees the power of subpoena.

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