27-9-104. Powers and duties of department of employment.

(a) The department shall have the following powers and duties:

(i) To call upon any state agency, institution, or employee, for advice, counsel, and assistance in the enforcement of this article;

(ii) To adopt, publish, amend, and rescind regulations consistent with and for the enforcement of this article;

(iii) To receive, investigate, and determine the validity of complaints alleging discrimination in employment or the existence of a discriminatory or unfair employment practice;

(iv) Repealed By Laws 2001, Ch. 162, § 2.

(v) For the purposes of all investigations the department shall have the power to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of any books, papers, documents or records which the department deems relevant or material to the inquiry;

(vi) In case of disobedience to a subpoena the department may invoke the aid of any district court in the state in requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt of court;

(vii) To enter into agreements, exchange information and otherwise assist the equal employment opportunity commission, and to accept from the equal employment opportunity commission reimbursement for services rendered.

(b) The department shall contract with an independent hearing officer to conduct any hearing under W.S. 27-9-101 through 27-9-106.