(1) conduct public or private investigations within or outside this state which the commissioner considers necessary or appropriate to determine whether a person has violated, is violating, or is about to violate this article or a rule adopted or order issued under this article, or to aid in the enforcement of this article or in the adoption of rules and forms under this article;

(3) publish a record concerning an action, proceeding, or an investigation under, or a violation of, this article or a rule adopted or order issued under this article if the commissioner determines it is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors.

     (b) For the purpose of an investigation under this article, the commissioner or the commissioner’s designated officer may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, seek compulsion of attendance, take evidence, require the filing of statements, and require the production of any records that the commissioner considers relevant or material to the investigation. Upon order of the commissioner, before July 1, 2020, a hearing officer appointed by the commissioner, or, after June 30, 2020, an administrative law judge assigned, after request by the commissioner, by the office of administrative law proceedings established by IC 4-15-10.5-7, in any hearing, depositions may be taken in the manner prescribed by law for depositions in civil actions and made returnable to the commissioner, a hearing officer appointed by the commissioner, or administrative law judge.

     (c) If a person does not appear or refuses to testify, file a statement, or produce records, or otherwise does not obey a subpoena as required by this article, the commissioner, before July 1, 2020, a hearing officer appointed by the commissioner, or, after June 30, 2020, an administrative law judge assigned, after request by the commissioner, by the office of administrative law proceedings established by IC 4-15-10.5-7, may apply to the circuit or superior court in the county where the hearing, investigation, or inquiry in question is being conducted to enforce compliance. The court may:

(1) hold the person in contempt;

(2) order the person to appear before the commissioner, hearing officer appointed by the commissioner, or administrative law judge;

(3) order the person to testify about the matter under investigation or in question;

(4) order the production of records;

(5) grant injunctive relief, including restricting or prohibiting the offer or sale of securities or the providing of investment advice;

(6) impose a civil penalty of not more than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for each violation; and

(7) grant any other necessary or appropriate relief.

     (d) This section does not preclude a person from applying to the circuit or superior court in the county where the hearing, investigation, or inquiry in question is being conducted for relief from a request to appear, testify, file a statement, produce records, or obey a subpoena.

     (e) If a witness, in any hearing, inquiry, or investigation conducted under this article, refuses to answer any question or produce any item, the commissioner may file a written petition with the circuit or superior court in the county where the hearing, investigation, or inquiry in question is being conducted requesting a hearing on the refusal. The court shall hold a hearing to determine if the witness may refuse to answer the question or produce the item. If the court determines that the witness, based upon the witness’s privilege against self-incrimination, may properly refuse to answer or produce an item, the commissioner may make a written request that the court grant use immunity to the witness. Upon written request of the commissioner, the court shall grant use immunity to a witness. The court shall instruct the witness, by written order or in open court, that:

(1) any evidence the witness gives, or evidence derived from that evidence, may not be used in any criminal proceedings against that witness, unless the evidence is volunteered by the witness or is not responsive to a question; and

(2) the witness must answer the questions asked and produce the items requested. A grant of use immunity does not prohibit the use of evidence that the witness gives in a hearing, investigation, or inquiry from being used in a prosecution for perjury under IC 35-44.1-2-1. If a witness refuses to give the evidence after the witness has been granted use immunity, the court may find the witness in contempt.

     (f) At the request of the securities regulator of another state or a foreign jurisdiction, the commissioner may provide assistance if the requesting regulator states that it is conducting an investigation to determine whether a person has violated, is violating, or is about to violate a law or rule of the other state or foreign jurisdiction relating to securities matters that the requesting regulator administers or enforces. The commissioner may provide the assistance by using the authority to investigate and the powers conferred by this section as the commissioner determines is necessary or appropriate. The assistance may be provided without regard to whether the conduct described in the request would also constitute a violation of this article or other law of this state if occurring in this state. In deciding whether to provide the assistance, the commissioner may consider whether the requesting regulator is permitted and has agreed to provide assistance reciprocally within its state or foreign jurisdiction to the commissioner on securities matters when requested; whether compliance with the request would violate or prejudice the public policy of this state; and the availability of resources and employees of the commissioner to carry out the request for assistance.

     (g) In any prosecution, action, suit, or proceeding based upon or arising out of or under the provisions of this article, a certificate duly signed by the commissioner showing compliance or noncompliance with the provisions of this article, respecting the security in question or respecting compliance or noncompliance of this article, by any issuer, broker-dealer, investment advisor, or agent, shall constitute prima facie evidence of compliance or noncompliance with the provisions of this article, as the case may be, and shall be admissible in evidence in any action at law or in equity to enforce this article.

     (h) Each witness who shall appear before the commissioner or a hearing officer appointed by the commissioner by order shall receive for the witness’s attendance the fees and mileage provided for witnesses in civil cases, which shall be audited and paid by the state in the same manner as other expenses of the securities division are audited and paid upon the presentation of proper vouchers sworn to by the witnesses and approved by the commissioner. However, no witnesses subpoenaed at the instance of parties other than the commissioner, or a hearing officer appointed by the commissioner shall be entitled to any fee or compensation from the state.

As added by P.L.27-2007, SEC.23. Amended by P.L.126-2012, SEC.40; P.L.205-2019, SEC.27.