The real estate appraiser board or the superintendent of real estate may compel, by order or subpoena, the attendance of witnesses to testify in relation to any matter over which the board or the superintendent has jurisdiction and which is the subject of the inquiry and investigation by the board or superintendent, and require the production of any book, paper, or document pertaining to such matter. For such purpose, the board or the superintendent has the same power as judges of county courts to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish witnesses for refusal to testify. service of the subpoena may be made by constables or by certified mail, return receipt requested, and the subpoena shall be deemed served on the date delivery is made or the date the person refuses to accept delivery. Sheriffs or constables shall return such process and shall receive the same fees for doing so as are allowed for like service if service of the subpoena is made by sheriffs or constables. Witnesses shall receive, after their appearance before the board or the superintendent, the fees and mileage provided for under section 119.094 of the Revised Code. If two or more witnesses travel together in the same vehicle, the mileage fee shall be paid to only one of those witnesses, but the witnesses may agree to divide the fee among themselves in any manner.
In addition to the powers and duties granted to the board and the superintendent under this section, in case any person fails to file any statement or report, obey any subpoena, give testimony, answer questions, or produce books, records, or papers as required by the board or the superintendent under this chapter, the court of common pleas of any county in the state, upon application made to it by the board or the superintendent setting forth the failure, may make an order awarding process of subpoena or subpoena duces tecum for the person to appear and testify before the board or the superintendent, and may order any person to give testimony and answer questions, and to produce books, records, or papers, as required by the board or the superintendent. Upon the filing of such order in the office of the clerk of the court of common pleas, the clerk, under the seal of the court, shall issue process or subpoena, and each day thereafter until the examination of the person is completed. The subpoena may contain a direction that the witness bring with the witness to the examination any books, records, or papers mentioned in the subpoena. The clerk also shall issue, under the seal of the court, such other orders, in reference to the examination, appearance, and production of books, records, or papers, as the court directs. If any person summoned by subpoena fails to obey the subpoena, to give testimony, to answer questions as required, or to obey an order of the court, the court, on motion supported by proof, may order an attachment for contempt to be issued against the person charged with disobedience of any order or injunction issued by the court under this chapter. If the person is brought before the court by virtue of the attachment, and if upon a hearing the disobedience appears, the court may order the offender to be committed and kept in close custody.
Amended by 128th General AssemblyFile No.9, HB 1, ยง101.01, eff. 10/16/2009.
Effective Date: 07-26-1989; 2008 HB525 07-01-2009
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