Bill provides for sworn testimony.

A sign in a Miami courtroom proclaims: "We who labor here seek only the truth," so why should the standard be any lower at the Florida Legislature?

That was the message Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, brought to the House Judiciary Committee February 3 with his bill that would require people who speak before legislative committees to be put under oath.

"Don't the decisions we make carry as much weight as decisions a judge makes in a courtroom?" he asked.

"Inspired by less-than-candid testimony in last year's special session on medical-malpractice insurance until the Senate put people under oath, the please-tell-us-the-truth proposal passed 12-5, and next goes to the House Subcommittee on Rules.

"We owe it to the citizens of Florida to do our best to be diligent to determine if the evidence or information upon which we base our decisions is truthful," said Galvano, a lawyer.

His proposal would require that those wishing to address legislative committees sign an appearance card that acknowledges they are under oath and subject to penalties for perjury if they do not testify truthfully.

Until now, the oath requirement has been left to discretion, Galvano said, and this would "elevate the respect level of the proceedings of the legislature."

The specter of citizens under threat of being charged with a crime left several legislators concerned about casting a chilling effect on open and vigorous debate.

Rep. Phillip Brutus, D-Miami, an attorney, drew on his courtroom experience. Very few who lie on the witness stand are charged with perjury, but attorneys have an opportunity to impeach witnesses' credibility during closing arguments. In the same way, he said, legislative staff can help cull fact from fiction in legislative testimony.

"I cannot support this bill," Brutus said.

"When you require people to come in and expect to have a frank debate and strong advocacy, to hold that over their head that you must sign this or face prosecution is overkill."

In more than 100 years of the legislature, there has never been a need for this, he said, adding, "the essence of democracy is to allow citizens to come in and truly disagree."

Some people "may say things that are over-stretched," Brutus said. "But does...