50-24.1-03.2. Investigations - Power of human service zones, department, and employees

50-24.1-03.2. Investigations - Power of human service zones, department, and employees. 1. In the investigation of applications under the provisions of this chapter, the human service zones, the department, and the officials and employees of such agencies charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter may: a. Conduct examinations; b. Require the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, records, and papers; and c. Make application to the district court of the county to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, records, and papers. 2. The department may request from other state, county, human service zones, and local agencies information deemed necessary to carry out the medical support enforcement program. All officers and employees of state, county, and local agencies shall cooperate with the department in locating absent spouses or parents of children to whom an obligation of support is owed or on whose behalf assistance is being provided and, on request, shall supply the department with available information relative to the location, income, social security number, and property holdings of the absent spouse or parent, notwithstanding any provision of law making that information confidential. Any person acting under the authority of the department who, pursuant to this subsection, obtains information from the office of the state tax commissioner, the confidentiality of which is protected by law, may not divulge such information except to the extent necessary for the administration of the medical support enforcement program or when otherwise directed by judicial order or when otherwise provided by law. 3. The officers and employees designated by the human service zones or the department may administer oaths and affirmations.