The Department of Education, the Attorney General, and all other agencies of state government, upon request by the committee, shall assist the committee in the discharge of its duties set forth in this article. The committee may employ staff and may secure the services of consultants as appropriate and subject to available funding. Upon authorization by joint resolution of the General Assembly, the committee shall have the power while the General Assembly is in session or during the interim between sessions to request the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents in aid of its duties. In addition, when the General Assembly is not in session, the committee shall have the power to request the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents in aid of its duties, upon application of the cochairpersons of the committee, with the concurrence of the Speaker of the House and the Senate Committee on Assignments.
OCGA § 20-2-2101