§ 17-31-204 — Powers

(a) The Arkansas Forestry Commission shall have the power to make, adopt, alter, amend, and promulgate all bylaws and rules consistent with the Arkansas Constitution and laws of this state, which may be reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and the regulation of the proceedings before it. (b) (1) Each member of the commission shall have power to administer oaths. (2) The commission shall have power to subpoena witnesses and compel the production of books and papers pertinent to any investigation or hearing authorized by this chapter. (3) Any employee of the Department of Agriculture engaged in making any investigation on behalf of the commission shall have the power to administer oaths to and take depositions of persons pertaining to any investigation. (4) The department may require any law enforcement officer of any state agency, the sheriffs of the various counties, or other law enforcement officers of any county or municipality to serve subpoenas and other process of the commission or department. (5) When county, municipal, or other local officers are required to serve subpoenas or other process of the commission or department, they shall be paid the same fees by the commission as are provided by laws for similar services under process issued by circuit courts. (c) (1) If any person shall refuse to testify or produce any books, papers, or documents, the commission may proceed by rule, in the circuit court of the county where the person is domiciled or is engaged in business, to have the person adjudged guilty of contempt. (2) In the event the rule is made absolute, the circuit court shall punish the person for contempt of court. (3) The person shall be permitted to purge himself or herself of contempt by compliance with such order as the court may render.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2023, No. 691,§ 81, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 98, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1969, No. 535, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 71-2409.