§ 44:7-20 — Director's power to issue subpoenas; contempt; false testimony

44:7-20. For the purpose of ascertaining and determining the facts and circumstances concerning any application for assistance made under this chapter the county director of welfare shall have power, in his discretion, to compel the attendance of the applicant and other persons in this State and the production of books, records and other documents in this State pertinent to such examination. The director of welfare may administer oaths for the purpose of such examination. Upon any misconduct or failure to obey any summons or subpoena issued to an applicant by the director, or failure to testify by the applicant, the director may, in his discretion, subject to the approval of the county welfare board, reject the application for assistance. Any misconduct or failure to obey any summons or subpoena issued to an applicant or any other person by the director, or failure to testify by the applicant or other such person, shall be punishable by the Superior Court as a contempt is punishable in a case pending in the court. But no commitment shall be ordered for a period exceeding 90 days. Any applicant or other person who shall knowingly give false testimony before the director shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Amended 1938,c.361,s.14; 1953,c.42,s.36; 1957,c.61; 1991,c.91,s.445.