SR 121 (LSB 6223XS (2) 85)

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 121

BY  GRONSTAL

A Resolution conferring authority upon the standing Committee on Government Oversight to conduct an investigation of specified issues relating to the Iowa Department of Administrative Services and the Iowa Department of Workforce Development.

   WHEREAS, concerns have been raised regarding the management at the Iowa Department of Administrative Services established pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 8A; and
   WHEREAS, the concerns have specifically addressed confidential settlement agreements with former employees and related payments, hiring and employment practices, and bidding, purchasing, and contracting policies and practices in several state agencies; and
   WHEREAS, concerns have been raised regarding the management at the Iowa Department of Workforce Development established pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 84A; and
   WHEREAS, the concerns have specifically addressed the management of Administrative Law Judges in the department’s Unemployment Insurance Services Division, the effect of this management on decisions made by Administrative Law Judges, and management and fiduciary practices related to unemployment insurance compensation; and
   WHEREAS, the standing Committee on Government Oversight is empowered, pursuant to Iowa Code sections 2.15 and 2.23, to require information of state agencies and departments and to conduct investigations with authority to call witnesses, administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and cite for contempt; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the standing Committee on Government Oversight is authorized to conduct an investigation of issues relating to the management practices and procedures at state agencies and departments; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the investigation shall be conducted in accordance with the full authority granted the standing Committee on Government Oversight by law including but not limited to the authority to conduct the investigation, call witnesses, administer oaths, issue subpoenas, cite and impose punishment for contempt, and otherwise exercise and enforce these investigative powers as authorized by and in accordance with law, subject to the following:
   1.  The scope of the investigation shall be confined to confidential settlement agreements with former employees and related payments, hiring and employment practices, and bidding, purchasing, and contracting policies and practices at the Department of Administrative Services and other state departments and agencies; and the management of Administrative Law Judges in the Unemployment Insurance Services Division, the effect of this management on decisions made by Administrative Law Judges, and management and fiduciary practices related to unemployment insurance compensation.
   2.  Subpoena authority conferred by this Resolution shall exist until December 31, 2014.
   3.  A citation and punishment for contempt may be issued and imposed according to the following schedule:
   a.  An initial citation may be issued by the standing Committee on Government Oversight by a majority vote of the members of the committee and is punishable by a fine of $500.
   b.  A second or subsequent citation may be issued by the standing Committee on Government Oversight by a majority vote of the members of the committee and is punishable by a fine of $1,000.
   c.  In addition to the fines authorized pursuant to paragraphs “a” and “b”, the Senate may by resolution impose a punishment of imprisonment for a period of up to six months.
   4.  Subpoenas and citations for contempt shall be signed by the Chairperson of the standing Committee on Government Oversight, the President of the Senate, and the Secretary of the Senate. Warrants for contempt shall be signed by the President of the Senate and the Secretary of the Senate.
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the standing Committee on Government Oversight may meet at such times and at such places as the Chairperson of the Committee deems necessary; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the investigation shall continue until completed, or until such time as the investigation is terminated by the standing Committee on Government Oversight by majority vote of the members of the committee.