(a) To permit any committee of either branch of the General Assembly to inspect and examine the books, papers, records, and accounts, filed in the department, and to furnish such copies or abstracts therefrom, as may from time to time be required;

(b) To furnish to any person, upon request and the payment of such charges as may be required and fixed by law, certificates of matters of public record in the department, or certified copies of public papers or documents on file therein.