Title 19
Financial Institutions

Chapter 28.1
Franchise Investment Act

R.I. Gen. Laws § 19-28.1-26

§ 19-28.1-26. Powers of director.

(a) The director may make public or private investigations inside or outside this state or determine whether a person has violated, is violating, or is about to violate a provision of this act. The director may investigate to aid in the enforcement of this act or in prescribing rules under this act. The director may publish information concerning the violation of this act or a rule or order under this act.

(b) The director may keep confidential any information obtained in the course of an investigation.

(c) The director may investigate suspected criminal violations of this act and may refer evidence to the attorney general or a prosecuting attorney. Upon request of the attorney general or prosecuting attorney, the director and the director’s attorneys, deputies, or assistants may assist in presenting the law or facts at trial.

(d) For the purposes of an investigation or proceeding under this act, the director may subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, examine them under oath, or require the production of any documents or tangible things that the director deems relevant or material to this investigation or proceeding. The subpoena must state the date, place, and time at which the person is required to appear or produce documentary material.

(e) A director’s subpoena shall be served in accordance with the service of process requirements of civil litigation in this state.

(f) Upon application of the director, a court may compel compliance with a subpoena through a contempt proceeding.

History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 395, § 2.