§8-6-15. Investigations and subpoenas by commission.

(a) The Securities Commission, in its discretion, may:

(1) Make such public or private investigations within or outside of this state as he deems necessary to determine whether any registration in the sale of securities should be granted, denied, or revoked, whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this article or any rule or order hereunder, to aid in the enforcement of this article or in the prescribing of rules and forms hereunder;

(2) Require or permit any person to file a statement in writing, under oath, or otherwise as the commission may determine, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning the matter to be investigated; and

(3) Publish information concerning any violation of this article or any rule or order hereunder.

(b) For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under this article, the Securities Commission or any officer designated by it may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, agreements, or other documents or records which the commission deems relevant or material to the inquiry.

(c) In case of contumacy by or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person, any court of competent jurisdiction may issue, upon application by the Securities Commission, to that person an order requiring him to appear before the commission or the officer designated by it, there to produce documentary evidence if so ordered or to give evidence touching the matter under investigation or in question. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt of court.

(d) No person is excused from attending and testifying or from producing any document or record before the Securities Commission or in obedience to the subpoena of the commission or any officer designated by it, in any proceeding instituted by the commission, on the ground that the testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, required of him may tend to incriminate him or subject him to a penalty or forfeiture; but no individual may be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for, or on account of, any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he is compelled, after claiming his privilege against self-incrimination, to testify or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, except that the individual so testifying shall not be exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying.

(Acts 1959, No. 542, p. 1318, §15; Acts 1969, No. 605, p. 1093, §6; Acts 1990, No. 90-527, p. 772, §1.)