Monserrate Committee of Inquiry

State Senator Hiram Monserrate is the subject of a commission of inquiry set up as follows:

Senate Resolution
BY: Senator Sampson

SENATE RESOLUTION PROVIDING for a Select Committee of the Senate to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the conviction of Senator Hiram Monserrate on October 15, 2009

WHEREAS, On March 23, 2009, Senator Hiram Monserrate was indicted in State Supreme Court in Queens on felony and misdemeanor charges of intentionally and recklessly causing physical injuries to another person; and

WHEREAS, On October 15, 2009, Senator Hiram Monserrate was acquitted in State Supreme Court in Queens of all felony charges, and convicted of the misdemeanor charge of recklessly causing physical injury to another person; and

WHEREAS, A conviction for such misdemeanor offense does not result in the automatic forfeiture of office upon conviction under the Public Officers Law; and

WHEREAS, The seriousness of these domestic violence charges and the circumstances surrounding them warrant further investigation by the Senate, and may warrant the imposition of sanctions by the Senate; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That a Select Committee of the Senate to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the conviction of Senator Hiram Monserrate is hereby established, to consist of nine Senators to be appointed by the Temporary President of the Senate. Four of such members shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the Senate. The chairperson of such committee shall be appointed by the Temporary President of the Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That such committee is hereby authorized and directed to investigate the facts and circumstances relating to the conviction against Senator Monserrate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That such committee shall have the same authority as
committees constituted under Article 4 of the Legislative Law and Senate
Rule VII; and be it further

RESOLVED, That such committee shall ensure a full and fair investigation, ensure fairness in the hearing process, specifically providing Senator Monserrate and his counsel with notice of all public committee proceedings, as well as ensuring opportunities for Senator Monserrate to be heard; and be it further

RESOLVED, That such committee shall report to the Senate with its recommendations; and be it further

RESOLVED, That upon the delivery of such report to the Senate, such committee shall cease to exist.

You can watch the fun at the Senate’s own website.