Contempt of the general assembly.

(A) In order to secure information with respect to any pending or contemplated legislative action, or any alleged breach of its privileges or misconduct by its members, the general assembly may order any person in Ohio to appear and testify before it, before either of its houses, or before any of its standing or select committees, and may order such person to produce books, papers, and other tangible evidence. (B) An order under division (A) of this section, to appear or to produce books, papers, and other tangible evidence, may be issued by the general assembly, by either of its houses, or, within the limits of its charge by the general assembly or either of its houses, by a standing or a select committee. Such order shall be in writing, and may be directed to an appropriate officer anywhere in Ohio, for service and return in the same manner as a subpoena. (C) No person shall fail to obey an order issued under this section, or, having appeared pursuant to such order, refuse to answer a question pertinent to the matter under inquiry. (D) Whoever violates division (C) of this section is guilty of contempt of the general assembly, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.