Sec. 45.55.910. - Investigations and subpoenas; confidentiality. - Alaska Statutes

(a) The administrator may

(1) make public or private investigations inside or outside this state considered necessary to determine whether a person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this chapter or a regulation or order under this chapter, or to aid in the enforcement of this chapter or in the adopting regulations and forms under this chapter;

(2) require or permit a person to file a statement in writing, under oath or otherwise as the administrator determines, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning the matter to be investigated; and

(3) publish information concerning a violation of this chapter or a regulation or order under this chapter.

(b) For the purpose of an investigation or proceeding under this chapter, the administrator or an officer designated by the administrator may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, agreements, or other documents or records that the administrator considers relevant or material to the inquiry.

(c) In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to, a person, the superior court, upon application by the administrator, may issue to the person an order requiring the person to appear before the administrator, or the officer designated by the administrator, to produce documentary evidence if so ordered or to give evidence touching the matter under investigation or in question. Failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt of court.

(d) A person is not excused from attending and testifying or from producing a document or record before the administrator, or in obedience to the subpoena of the administrator or officer designated by the administrator, or in a proceeding instituted by the administrator, on the ground that the testimony or evidence required of the person may tend to incriminate the person or subject the person to a penalty or forfeiture. However, an individual may not be prosecuted or subjected to a penalty or forfeiture for or on account of a transaction, matter, or thing concerning which the person is compelled, after claiming the 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.

(e) Notwithstanding AS 45.55.905 (b), all investigative files are confidential, except that they must be disclosed by the administrator as required for discovery in an administrative or a judicial proceeding.