Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023)
Title 23 - PUBLIC UTILITIES AND REGULATED INDUSTRIES (§§ 23-1-101 — 23-119-105)
Subtitle 1 - PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS (§§ 23-1-101 — 23-19-210)
Chapter 2 - REGULATORY COMMISSIONS (§§ 23-2-101 — 23-2-430)
Subchapter 3 - GENERAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF COMMISSIONS (§§ 23-2-301 — 23-2-316)
Section 23-2-313 - Subpoena powers - Compelling attendance and testimony

• (a) The commission shall have the power, either as a commission or by any of its members, to subpoena witnesses and take testimony and administer oaths to any witness in any proceeding or examination instituted before it or conducted by it in reference to any matter within its jurisdiction.

• (b) In all hearings and proceedings before the commission, the evidence of witnesses and the production of the documentary evidence may be required at any designated place of hearing.

• (c)
  • (1) In case of disobedience to a subpoena or other process, the commission may invoke the aid of the Pulaski County Circuit Court in requiring the evidence and testimony of witnesses and the production of papers, books, and documents.
  • (2) The court, in case of refusal to obey the subpoena issued to any person or to any public service corporation subject to the provisions of this act, shall issue an order calling the public service corporation or any person to appear before the commission and produce all books and papers if so ordered and give evidence touching the matter in question.
  • (3) Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as contempt thereof.

• (d) A claim that any testimony or evidence may tend to incriminate the person giving it shall not excuse the witness from testifying, but the witness shall not be prosecuted for any offense concerning which he or she is compelled to testify pursuant to this section.

Acts 1919, No. 571, § 11; C. & M. Dig., §§ 1663, 1664, 1686, 1687; Acts 1921, No. 124, § 8; Pope's Dig., §§ 1980, 1990, 1991, 2007; A.S.A. 1947, § 73-123.