2002 Minnesota Statutes

     246.08 Inspections; investigations; witnesses; contempt. 

    At least once each year and in addition as frequently as 
 the commissioner deems necessary, the commissioner, or a 
 designated representative, shall visit and inspect each 
 institution, and investigate its financial condition and 
 management, and the care being provided for the inmates 
 thereof.  The commissioner shall have power to summon and compel 
 the attendance of witnesses; to examine them under oath, and 
 order the production of all books, property, and papers material 
 to such investigation.  Witnesses other than those in the employ 
 of the state shall receive the same fees as in civil cases in 
 the district court.  The claim that any testimony or evidence 
 sought to be elicited or produced may tend to criminate the 
 person giving or producing it, or to expose the person to public 
 ignominy, shall not excuse the person, but no person shall be 
 prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on 
 account of any matter or thing concerning which the person may 
 be so required to testify or produce evidence; provided, that 
 the person shall not be exempted from prosecution and punishment 
 for perjury committed in so testifying.  The commissioner of 
 human services shall cause the testimony so taken to be 
 transcribed and filed with the commissioner as soon as 
 practicable and when so filed it shall be open to public 
 inspection.  Every person failing or refusing to obey any order 
 of the commissioner of human services issued under this section, 
 or to give or produce evidence when so requested, shall be 
 reported by the commissioner to the district court and dealt 
 with as for a contempt of court.  

    HIST: (4417) RL s 1877; 1953 c 239 s 1; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 
 1986 c 444