State Court Seeks To Nullify Legislative Subpoena

  The Special Investigation into the corruption of the Department of Health has become a constitutional crisis over the separation of powers principle.
  Today, the chief financial officer, Michael Romero, was scheduled to appear in person before the House Special Committee on the Department of Health. Romero sought and received a court order from a district judge, to obstruct the legislative oversight process.
   Romero could have appeared and cited his 5th amendment right against self-incrimination (the right to remain silent). But he instead initiated a judicial branch powerplay, getting a state court judge to claim jurisdiction over the legislative process of oversight.
  We reached out to members of the House leadership, but have not yet seen a response, other than Chairman Cockroft's indication that the committee is seeking counsel on their proper response. 
  But today's hearing is cancelled. 

E-Capitol has the story.

  Chief Financial Officer Michael Romero was scheduled to testify Thursday morning. The department filed the motion Wednesday in Oklahoma County District Court. The motion was granted and Thursday’s meeting of the committee was cancelled.

Cockroft said the investigation will continue. “We are working to determine our next course of action,” he said.