(a) The commissioner may do both of the following:

(1) Make public or private investigations within or outside this state that he or she deems necessary to determine whether to approve any application filed under this division or under any regulation or order issued under this division, to determine whether any person has violated or may violate any provision of this division or of any regulation or order issued under this division, to aid in the enforcement of any provision of this division or of any regulation or order issued under this division, or to aid in the issuing of regulations or orders under this division.

(2) Publish information concerning any violation of any provision of this division or of any regulation or order issued under this division.

(b) For purposes of any investigation, examination, or other proceeding under this division, the commissioner 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 that the commissioner deems relevant or material to the inquiry.

(c) In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to, any person, the superior court, upon application by the commissioner, may issue to the person an order requiring him or her to appear before the commissioner, and to produce documentary evidence, if so ordered, or to give evidence relevant to the matter under investigation or in question. Failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 668, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999, by Sec. 4 of Ch. 668.)