Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024
Section 026-70-18 - Subpoena and discoveryA. Any party may request the issuance of a subpoena by the Board, and the Board may issue the same if it first obtains the approval of the Attorney General or of any deputy attorney general. Such approval shall be given when the testimony or evidence sought is relevant to any issue of fact in the proceeding.B. When properly authorized, subpoenas may be issued by the Board or by any person designated by the Board for that purpose, in accordance with the following provisions: 1. The form shall be similar to that used in civil cases before the courts. Witnesses shall be subpoenaed only within the territorial limits and in the same manner as witnesses in civil cases before the courts, unless another territory or manner is provided by law. Witnesses subpoenaed shall be paid the same fees for attendance and travel as in civil cases before the courts. Such fees shall be paid by the party requesting the subpoena.2. Any subpoena issued shall show on its face the name and address of the party at whose request it was issued.3. Any witness subpoenaed may petition the Board to vacate or modify a subpoena issued in its name. The Board shall give prompt notice to the party who requested issuance of the subpoena. After such investigation as the Board considers appropriate, it may grant the petition in whole or in part upon a finding that the testimony or the evidence whose production is required does not relate with reasonable directness to any matter in question, or that a subpoena for the attendance of a witness or the production of evidence is unreasonable or oppressive or has not been issued a reasonable period in advance of the time when evidence is requested.4. Failure to comply with a subpoena lawfully issued in the name of the Board and not revoked or modified by the Board as provided in this section shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $5,000, or by imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both.01- 026 C.M.R. ch. 70, § 18