The chairman of a standing or select committee, or a subcommittee thereof, of the general assembly, or of either house thereof, authorized to send for persons and papers, may subpoena witnesses in any part of the state to appear before such committee or subcommittee at a time and place designated in the subpoena, to testify concerning matters of inquiry committed to the committee or subcommittee and may require the production of books, papers, and records by such witnesses.