P.R. Laws tit. 23, § 2205

2019-02-20 00:00:00+00
§ 2205. Powers of investigation

(a) In order to comply with the provisions of this chapter and in the exercise of the powers and functions respectively vested therein and of those likewise vested on the Authority, the Administrator and the Director may carry out the investigations which they may deem necessary; and with this purpose they may administer oaths, receive testimonials, hold hearings and issue subpoenas requiring the appearance of witnesses and the presentation of documental evidence or of any other kind.

(b) The Administrator and the Director may delegate said powers of investigation, including the issuance of subpoenas for the appearance of witnesses and presentation of evidence, to officers and employees of the Authority or to any other person designated to carry out the investigation, hearing or proceeding. The Administrator may determine through rules or regulations adopted as provided in § 2109 of this title the procedures in connection with such investigations, hearings and subpoenas, as well as to the delegation of the powers herein vested on the Director and on the Administrator.

(c) If a subpoena issued under the provisions of this section or of the regulation approved to such effect by the Administrator were not duly complied with, the Authority may appear before the Court of First Instance so that it will order the compliance with the subpoena. The court shall be empowered to issue orders, making compulsory the fulfillment of the subpoena and to punish for contempt disobedience to the orders issued to such effect.

(d) No natural person shall refuse to comply with a subpoena issued under the provisions of this section, or of one of said orders of the Court of First Instance, alleging that the testimony or evidence required may incriminate him or subject him to a penalty, but he may not be criminally prosecuted in connection with any transaction or matter on which he has given testimony or produced documental evidence or of any other kind, except that he may be prosecuted and condemned for perjury committed on rendering testimony.

History —June 28, 1968, No. 151, p. 459, § 2, art. 2.05; June 25, 1969, No. 84, p. 238, § 1.