North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 143B. Executive Organization Act of 1973 § 143B-17. Commission investigations and orders

Unless otherwise provided for in the Executive Organization Act of 1973, any commission created by the Executive Organization Act of 1973 may order an investigation into areas of concern over which it has rule-making authority, and the head of the department required to give staff support to such commission shall render such reports and information as the commission may require. In default of the production of information by the head of the principal department or any employee or agent thereof, the commission may seek the aid of the Wake County Superior Court to require the production of information as hereinafter provided.

In proceedings before any commission or any hearing officer or member of the commission so authorized by the commission, if any person refuses to respond to a subpoena, or refuses to take the oath or affirmation as a witness or thereafter refuses to be examined or refuses to obey any lawful order of a commission contained in its decision rendered after hearing, the chairman of the commission may apply to the Superior Court of Wake County or to the superior court of the county where the proceedings are being held for an order directing that person to take the requisite action. Should any person willfully fail to comply with an order so issued, the court shall punish him as for contempt.