Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-14-11. Subpoena power--False swearing

(a) In connection with any matters having to do with the discharge of his or her duties pursuant to this chapter, the director, or his or her designee, in all cases of every nature pending before him or her, is hereby authorized and empowered to summon witnesses to attend and testify in like manner as in either the supreme or the superior courts. The director, or his or her designee, is authorized to compel the production of all papers, books, documents, records, certificates, or other legal evidence that may be necessary for the determination and the decision of any question or the discharge of any duty required by law of the department, including the functions of the superintendents of banking and insurance, by issuing a subpoena duces tecum signed by the director, or his or her designee.

(b) Every person who disobeys this writ shall be considered in contempt of the department, and the department may punish that and any other contempt of the authority in like manner as contempt may be punished in either the supreme or the superior court.

(c) Any person who shall willfully swear falsely in any proceedings, matter, or hearing before the department shall be deemed guilty of the crime of perjury.