§ 18A:3B-34 — Powers of Secretary of Higher Education.

301. a. The Secretary of Higher Education, with the concurrence of the Governor, shall have authority to visit public institutions of higher education to examine their manner of conducting their affairs and to enforce an observance of the laws of the State. b. The secretary, with the concurrence of the Governor, may administer oaths and examine witnesses under oath in any part of the State with regard to any matter pertaining to higher education, and may cause the examination to be reduced to writing. Any person willfully giving false testimony upon being sworn or affirmed to tell the truth shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. c. The secretary, with the concurrence of the Governor, may issue subpoenas pursuant to this section compelling the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers in any part of the State. Any person who shall neglect or refuse to obey the command of the subpoena or who, after appearing, shall refuse to be sworn and testify, unless such refusal is on grounds recognized by law, shall in either event be subject to a penalty of $1,000.00 for each offense to be recovered in a civil action. Such penalty when recovered shall be paid into the State Treasury. L.1994, c.48, s.301; amended 2009, c.308, s.25.