34-06.1-04. Powers of commissioner

34-06.1-04. Powers of commissioner The commissioner has the power and duty to carry out the provisions of this chapter and for this purpose, the commissioner, or the commissioner's authorized representative, has power to: 1. With the consent of the employer or upon appropriate court order, for cause, enter the place of employment of any employer to inspect and copy payrolls and other employment records, to compare character of work and operations on which persons employed by the employer are engaged, to question such persons, and to obtain such other information as is reasonably necessary to the administration and enforcement of this chapter. 2. Examine witnesses under oath, and to require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of any documentary evidence relating to the subject matter of any investigation undertaken pursuant to this section. 3. Eliminate pay practices unlawful under this chapter, by informal methods of conference, conciliation and persuasion, and to supervise the payment of wages owing to any employee under this chapter. 4. Issue such regulations, not inconsistent with the purpose of this chapter, as the commissioner deems necessary or appropriate to carry out its provisions. Witnesses summoned by the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized representative must be paid the same fees as are allowed witnesses attending the district courts of this state. In the event of the failure of a person to attend, testify, or produce documents under or in response to a subpoena, the court on application of the commissioner or the commissioner's representative may issue an order requiring said person to appear before the commissioner or authorized representative, or to produce documentary evidence, and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof.