15-1-302. Witnesses -- oaths, contempt, and fees. (1) Oaths to witnesses in any investigation by the department may be administered by the director of revenue or the director's agent.

(2) (a) If a witness fails to obey a summons to appear before the department or refuses to testify or answer any material question or to produce records, books, papers, or documents when required to do so, the department shall institute proceedings in the district court to compel obedience to a summons or order of the board or to punish the witness for neglect or refusal to obey the summons.

(b) As required by 15-30-2509, the department, in addition to instituting proceedings to compel obedience to a summons or order shall, as a part of the proceedings, request the court to issue an order requiring the payment of all penalties assessed for the employer's failure to report.

(3) A person who testifies falsely in any material matter under consideration by the department is guilty of perjury and shall be punished accordingly.

(4) Witnesses attending an investigation by the department must receive the same compensation as witnesses in the district court. The compensation must be charged to the proper appropriation for the department.