§1179. Subpoenas.

(a) General rule.--The commission may issue subpoenas over the signature of the chair to require the attendance of witnesses and the production of records and papers pertaining to any investigation or inquiry. The fees of witnesses for attendance and travel shall be the same as for witnesses appearing in the courts and shall be paid from appropriations for the incidental expenses of the commission.

(b) Persons required to attend.--All officers in public service and employees shall attend and testify if required to do so by the commission.

(c) Penalty for violation.--If any person refuses or neglects to obey a subpoena issued by the commission, the person shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine not to exceed $100 and, in default of the payment of the fine and costs, shall be imprisoned for a term not to exceed 30 days.

(d) Petition to court.--If a person refuses or neglects to obey a subpoena issued by the commission, the commission may apply by petition to the court of common pleas of the county for its subpoena requiring the attendance of the person before the commission or the court to testify and to produce any records and papers necessary, and, if the person defaults, the person shall be held in contempt of court.