§ 12:2-19 — Oaths; examination of witnesses; subpoenas; penalty; perjury

The board by its presiding officer, each of its committees by the chairman thereof, and the director, may administer oaths and examine witnesses in any part of the state in any matter relating to the powers and duties of the department, and to the commerce and navigation of the state. For this purpose the board may issue subpoenas, signed by its president and secretary, requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers in any part of the state before it, or before any of its committees, or before the director. Any person who, being served with a subpoena issued pursuant to the provisions of this section, shall fail to attend or give testimony unless such testimony incriminate him or subject him to fine or punishment, shall be liable to a penalty of five hundred dollars for each offense, to be recovered in the name of the state of New Jersey; said penalty, when recovered, to be paid into the treasury of the state. The attorney general shall prosecute any and all actions for the recovery of penalties under this section when requested so to do, and when, in his judgment, the facts and the law so warrant. Any person who, having been sworn by the presiding officer of the board, or the chairman of any of its committees, or by the director, willfully gives false testimony shall be guilty of perjury.