Sec. 81.064. POWERS OF COMMISSIONER OR DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE IN CASES BEFORE COMMISSION

(a) In a case before the commission, a commissioner, or an authorized commission employee, designated by the commission for that purpose, in the same manner as if the entire commission were present, may:

(1) hold a hearing;

(2) conduct an investigation;

(3) make a record of a hearing or investigation for the use and benefit of the commission;

(4) administer an oath;

(5) certify to an official act; and

(6) compel the attendance of a witness and the production of papers, books, accounts, and other pertinent documents and testimony.

(b) The record of a hearing or investigation made under this section that is certified to by the commissioner or employee has the same effect as if made before the commission. The commission shall determine a case in which the record is made under this section in the same manner as if the record had been made before the commission.

(c) The commission may punish for contempt a person who:

(1) refuses to comply with this section; or

(2) obstructs or attempts to obstruct a proceeding under this section.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 85 , Sec. 3.03, eff. April 1, 2011.