Massachusetts General Laws Part III. Courts, Judicial Officers and Proceedings in Civil Cases (Ch. 211-262) Ch. 233, § 7

Witnesses may be summoned to attend and testify at a hearing before the executive council, or a committee thereof, as to matters within its authority. They shall be summoned in the same manner, be paid the same fees and in the same manner, and be subject to the same penalties for default, as witnesses before the general court.