A. Whenever the agency receives a written complaint which appears to state a valid claim, the agency shall make necessary public or private investigations in accordance with law within or outside of this Commonwealth to determine whether any declarant, its agents, employees or other representatives have violated or are about to violate this chapter or any rule or order hereunder, or to aid in the enforcement of this chapter or in the prescribing of rules, regulations and forms hereunder. The agency may also in like manner and with like authority investigate written complaints against persons other than the declarant, its agents, employees or other representatives.

B. For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under this chapter, the agency or any officer designated by rule may administer oaths or affirmations, and upon its own motion or upon request of any party shall subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any matter which is relevant to the investigation, including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any books, documents, or other tangible things and the identity and location of persons having knowledge of relevant facts or any other matter reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of material evidence.

C. Upon failure to obey a subpoena or to answer questions propounded by the investigating officer and upon reasonable notice to all persons affected thereby, the agency may apply to the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond for an order compelling compliance.

1974, c. 416; 1993, c. 198; 2011, c. 605.