Meet William Horne, master of the universe

The rules for that committee the majority leader is chairing give him broad powers to probe Steven Brooks.

He already has employed them to ban Brooks from the Legislative Building. How can he do that? Because the rules say he can....

Waive or suspend any provision of these rules, as deemed necessary by the Chair, or

adopt any additional rules or procedures, as deemed necessary by the Chair, to ensure that

hearings are conducted in a fair, orderly and efficient manner.

3. The Chair may, if necessary to preserve order and protect the integrity and decorum

of the Legislature and the legislative process, issue an order placing a member who is the subject

of the Committee’s investigation on administrative leave, with pay and without loss of any

benefits, during the pendency of the Committee’s investigation of the member. Such an order

may include, without limitation, prohibiting the member from entering the legislative buildings

or otherwise performing any legislative activities or acting as a legislator during the pendency of

the Committee’s investigation of the member.

Those were tailor-written for this situation, eh?

The entire rules, which allow for subpoenas and a special counsel, are attached here.