(a) For the purposes of this act,¹ the Commissioner or the hearing officer as hereinafter provided has power to require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses, and the production of all documentary evidence relating to any matter under hearing pursuant to this act, and shall issue such subpoenas at the request of an interested party. The hearing officer may sign subpoenas in the name of the Commissioner.

(b) The Commissioner may, in his discretion, direct that any hearing pursuant to this act shall be held before a competent and qualified agent of the Commissioner, whom the Commissioner shall designate as the hearing officer in such matter. The Commissioner and the hearing officer are hereby empowered to, and shall, administer oaths and affirmations to all witnesses appearing before them. The hearing officer, upon the conclusion of the hearing before him, shall certify the evidence to the Commissioner.

(c) Any district court of this state, within the jurisdiction of which such hearing is carried on, may, in case of contumacy, or refusal of a witness to obey a subpoena, issue an order requiring such witness to appear before the Commissioner, or the hearing officer, or to produce documentary evidence, or to give testimony touching the matter in question, and the willful refusal and failure of any such witness to obey such order of the court shall constitute contempt of court.