House Judiciary Demands Testimony From Gov. Bentley

The Alabama House Judiciary Committee has sent a formal demand to Governor Bentley for his testimony under oath, Committee Chairman Mike Jones (R–Andalusia) announced today.

“As we seek to discharge our constitutional duty with regard to this investigation,” Jones said, “we want a clear, truthful record from the Governor and his staff. The Committee’s rules authorize our Special Counsel to take this testimony for the Committee, much like a deposition in a civil case. We look forward to the cooperation of the Governor and his staff with our Special Counsel.”

Pursuant to House Resolution 367, the House of Representatives referred articles of impeachment against Governor Bentley. By operation of House Rule 79.1, the House referred the articles to the Committee for investigation and recommendation, and provided that the Committee was empowered to adopt rules to govern the proceedings. Pursuant to those rules, as amended, the Committee appointed Jack Sharman as Special Counsel to oversee the Committee’s discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

“It is an honor to serve the Committee, its members, the House and the people of Alabama,” said Sharman. "Although we have not had the transparency and cooperation with the investigation that the Governor promised, the Committee hopes that the Governor will take this opportunity to cooperate in the House’s investigation.”

In addition to Governor Bentley, the Committee has demanded that its Special Counsel take the sworn testimony of the following persons: David Byrne (Chief Legal Advisor), Wesley Helton (Director of Legislative Affairs) and Zach Lee (Director of Federal & Local Government Affairs).

24 Oct 2016 ltr to Garber and Byrne encl notices

Notice of Transcribed Statement Under Oath – Governor Robert Bentley

Notice of Transcribed Statement Under Oath – Byrne

Notice of Transcribed Statement Under Oath – Helton

Notice of Transcribed Statement Under Oath – Lee