Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-111
Section 307-3 - Authority of Attorney General and Director of Bureau of Consumer Protection (Adm. Code Section 919)(a) The Attorney General shall be authorized to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of any books, accounts, papers, records, documents, and files relating to any commercial and trade practices which the Bureau of Consumer Protection has authority to investigate and conduct private or public hearings; and, for this purpose, the Attorney General or his representative may sign subpoenas, administer oaths or affirmations, examine witnesses and receive evidence during any such investigation or public or private hearing. In case of disobedience of any subpoena or the contumacy of any witness appearing before the Attorney General or his representative, the Attorney General or his representative may invoke the aid of the Commonwealth Court or any court of record of the Commonwealth, and such court may thereupon issue an order requiring the person subpoenaed to obey the subpoena or to give evidence or to produce books, accounts, papers, records, documents and files relative to the matter in question. Any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof.(b) No documentary material produced pursuant to a demand under this section shall, unless otherwise ordered by a court for good cause shown, be produced for inspection or copying by, nor shall the contents thereof be disclosed to any person other than the authorized employe of the Attorney General without the consent of the person who produced such material: Provided, That under such reasonable terms and conditions as the Attorney General shall prescribe, such documentary material shall be available for inspection and copying by the person who produced such material or any duly authorized representative of such person. The Attorney General or any attorney designated by him may use such documentary material or copies thereof as he determines necessary in the enforcement of this act, including presentation before any court: Provided, That any such material which contains trade secrets or other highly confidential matter shall not be presented except with the approval of the court in which the action is pending after adequate notice to the person furnishing such material.1929, April 9, P.L. 177, art. IX, § 919, added 1968, Dec. 17, P.L. 1221, No. 386, § 1.