Sec. 33. (a) The commissioner may in his discretion make such investigations as he deems necessary to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this chapter.

     (b) For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under this chapter, the commissioner or his representative may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, agreements, or other documents or records which the commissioner deems material to the inquiry.

     (c) Upon order of the commissioner or his representative in any hearing, depositions may be taken of any witness, to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for depositions in civil actions, and made returnable to the commissioner or his representative.

     (d) In case of failure by any person to obey a subpoena, the circuit or superior court, upon application by the commissioner, may issue to the person an order requiring him to appear before the commissioner, or his representative, there to produce documentary evidence, if so ordered, or to give evidence touching the matter under investigation.

     (e) No person is excused from attending and testifying or from producing any document or record before the commissioner, or in obedience to the subpoena of the commissioner, or his representative, or in any proceeding instituted by the commissioner, on the grounds that the testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, required of him may tend to incriminate him or subject him to a penalty or forfeiture; but no person may be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he is compelled, after validly claiming his privilege against self-incrimination, to testify or produce evidence documentary or otherwise.

Formerly: Acts 1975, P.L.262, SEC.1.