The director or any assistants or agents appointed to conduct examinations may summon and compel the attendance of witnesses to testify in relation to any matter which is, by the provisions of this title or by any other insurance laws of this State, a subject of inquiry and investigation. The director or his designee has the power of a circuit judge to punish for contempt any witness failing to answer any summons or failing or refusing to testify when so required. The director or any assistants or agents appointed to conduct examinations may also administer oaths and affirmations to persons appearing as witnesses before them, and false testimony in any matter or proceeding is considered perjury and must be punished in accordance with the laws of this State.
HISTORY: 1947 (45) 322; 1952 Code Section 37-61; 1960 (51) 1646; 1962 Code Section 37-68; 1976 Code Section 38-3-180; 1987 Act No. 155, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 532.