Necessary powers in discharge of duties

In the discharge of the duties imposed by this chapter, the Commissioner, the chief administrative hearing officer, the members of the board of review, and any duly authorized representative of any of them shall have the power to administer oaths and affirmations, take depositions, certify to official acts, and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, correspon204 34-8-91 dence, memoranda, and other records deemed necessary as evidence in connection with a disputed claim or the administration of this chapter. (Code 1981, § 34-8-88, enacted by Ga. L. 1991, p. 139, § 1.) 34-8-89. Application for order requiring persons to obey subpoena issued by Commissioner. (a) In case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena by any person, any court of this state within the jurisdiction of which the inquiry is carried on or within the jurisdiction of which said person guilty of contumacy or refusal to obey is found or resides or transacts business, upon application by the Commissioner, the board of review, the chief administrative hearing officer, or any duly authorized representative of any of them, shall have jurisdiction to issue to such person an order requiring such person to appear before the Commissioner, the board of review, the chief administrative hearing officer, or any duly authorized representative of any of them to produce evidence, if so ordered, or to give testimony regarding the matter under investigation or in question; and any failure to obey such order may be punished by the superior court as a contempt of court. (b) Any person who shall without just cause fail or refuse to attend and testify or to answer any lawful inquiry or to produce books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, and other records, if it is in such person’s power to do so, in obedience to a subpoena of the Commissioner, the board of review, the chief administrative hearing officer, or any duly authorized representative of any of them shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not less than $200.00, or by imprisonment for not longer than 60 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment; and each day such violation continues shall be deemed to be a separate offense. (Code 1981, § 34-8-89, enacted by Ga. L. 1991, p. 139, § 1.) 34-8-90. Authority to lease property.