§4-1-4. Compelling members to attend.
Either house, or a less number than a quorum thereof, when assembled at the time and place of meeting, may, by order or resolution, direct such of its members as are absent without leave to be brought before the house. The order or resolution shall be executed by the sergeant-at-arms, or any messengers deputed by him, or appointed for the purpose by the officer presiding at the meeting; and a copy of such order or resolution, attested by the presiding officer or clerk, shall be a sufficient warrant. The sergeant or messengers shall thereupon forthwith arrest the members so absent, and bring them before the meeting, and each of them, as he is brought in, shall be heard, if he wishes it, in excuse of his absence. If any member so brought in do not render such an excuse for his absence as the house, or such of its members as are present, shall deem sufficient, he may be fined not exceeding six dollars, censured, or discharged from custody, as the house, or such of its members as are present, shall order; and in either case shall pay the costs of the arrest. If the excuse be deemed sufficient, the costs of the arrest shall be certified by the presiding officer or clerk, and be paid out of the appropriation for the expenses of the Legislature.