In connection with any investigation into the internal affairs of the department, the commissioner may request subpoenas for the testimony of witnesses or the production of evidence. The fees for travel and attendance of witnesses shall be the same as for witnesses and officers before a superior court. The fees in connection with subpoenas issued on behalf of the commissioner or the department shall be paid by the state, upon presentation of proper bills of costs to the commissioner. Notwithstanding 3 V.S.A. §§ 809a and 809b, subpoenas requested by the commissioner shall be issued and enforced by the superior court of the unit in which the person subpoenaed resides in accordance with the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure. (Added 1979, No. 156 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; amended 1983, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 12a; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 157.)