§ 71-813. Investigations and proceedings - Powers and duties of Administrator.

A.  The Administrator:

1.  May make such public or private investigations within or outside of this state as the Administrator deems necessary to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of the Oklahoma Business Opportunity Sales Act or any rule or order hereunder, or to aid in the enforcement of the act or in the prescribing of rules and forms hereunder;

2.  May require or permit any person to file a statement, under oath or otherwise as the Administrator determines, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning the matter to be investigated; and

3.  May publish information concerning any violation of the Oklahoma Business Opportunity Sales Act or any rule or order hereunder.

B.  For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding pursuant to the Oklahoma Business Opportunity Sales Act, the Administrator or the Administrator’s designee 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 which the Administrator deems relevant or material to the inquiry.

C.  In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person, the district court of Oklahoma County or the district court in any other county where service can be obtained on one or more of the defendants, upon application by the Administrator, may issue to the person an order requiring him or her to appear before the Administrator, there to produce documentary evidence if so ordered or to give evidence touching upon the matters under investigation or in question.  Failure to obey the order of the court may be punishable by the court as contempt.

D.  No person is excused from attending and testifying or from producing any document or record before the Administrator or the Administrator’s designee, or in obedience to the subpoena of the Administrator or the Administrator’s designee, in any proceeding instituted by the Administrator, on the grounds that the testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, required by the Administrator may tend to incriminate him or her or subject him or her to a penalty or forfeiture; but no individual may be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning which he or she is compelled, after claiming his or her privilege against self-incrimination, to testify or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, except that the individual testifying is not exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury or contempt committed in testifying.

Added by Laws 1985, c. 157, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 1985.  Amended by Laws 1999, c. 109, § 18, eff. July 1, 1999.