Section 7-11-601 - Investigations - Subpoena power(a) The director may make any investigation, within or without this state, as the director finds necessary to determine whether a person has violated, or is about to violate, this chapter or a rule or order of the director under this chapter or to aid in enforcement of this chapter.(b) Except as provided in § 7-11-703(c), the director may publish information concerning a violation of this chapter or a rule or order of the director under this chapter or concerning types of securities or acts or practices in the offer, sale, or purchase of types of securities which may operate as a fraud or deceit.(c)(1) For purposes of an investigation or proceeding under this chapter, the director or an officer or employee designated by the director may by rule or order administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production, by subpoena or otherwise, of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, agreements, other documents, and records which the director determines to be relevant and material to the investigation or proceeding.(2) The director may require or permit a person to file a statement, under oath or otherwise as the director determines, as to the facts and circumstances concerning the matter to be investigated.(3) The director may issue and apply to enforce a subpoena in this state at the request of a securities agency or administrator of another state if the activities constituting an alleged violation for which the information is sought would be in violation of this chapter if the activities had occurred in this state.(d) If a person does not testify or produce the documents required by the director or a designated officer or employee pursuant to subpoena, the director or designated employee may apply to the court for an order compelling compliance.(e) A request for an order of compliance may be addressed to either: (1) The superior court if the person is subject to a service of process in this state; or(2) A court of another state able to assert jurisdiction over the person refusing to testify or produce, if the person is not subject to service of process in this state.(f) Not later than the time the director requests an order for compliance, the director shall either send notice of the request by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the respondent at the last known address or take other steps that are reasonably calculated to give the respondent actual notice.R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-11-601
P.L. 1990, ch. 460, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 69, § 1.