Resolution lays out rules for special committee investigating governor

The state House of Representatives committee tasked with investigating Gov. Eric Greitens will have 40 days to report back on its findings.

State Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, laid out the rules governing the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight in a resolution on Tuesday afternoon. Barnes was appointed chairman of the committee by Speaker of the House Todd Richardson yesterday.

The resolution allows the committee to subpoena witnesses and documents it needs to investigate allegations made against Greitens, which is considered a first step in potentially starting the impeachment process. The committee can extend the deadline of its work if necessary, according to the resolution.

Richardson appointed Republican Reps. Don Phillips, Jeanie Lauer, Kevin Austin and Shawn Rhoads. Democratic Reps. Gina Mitten and Tommie Pierson Jr. round out the committee.

The formation of the group came five days after a grand jury in St. Louis indicted Greitens for invasion of privacy.

The resolution allows the committee to hire its own private investigators, court reporters and lawyers to help. Money for the committee would come from the House contingent fund, according to the resolution.

Committee meetings will be open to the public, but the resolution allows Barnes to close all or portions of a hearing for certain witness testimony or evidence. Members of the committee and staff assigned to help would not be allowed to speak to members outside of the committee or House leadership about the evidence.

Greitens’ attorney, Edward Dowd, told House leadership on Feb. 22 that he welcomed the committee’s investigation.