(a) Authority to issue. A subpoena to compel the attendance of witnesses and to require the production of records and other materials in connection with civil investigations, inquiries, or hearings may be authorized by the:
(1) County Council;
(2) County Executive;
(3) Chief Administrative Officer;
(4) Chief of Staff;
(5) Director of Inspections and Permits;
(6) Planning and Zoning Officer;
(7) Administrative Hearing Officer;
(8) Board of Appeals;
(9) Personnel Board;
(10) Director of Public Works;
(11) County Auditor;
(12) County Attorney;
(13) Human Relations Commission; or
(14) Ethics Commission or Executive Director of the Ethics Commission.
(b) Contents. A subpoena shall be directed to the Sheriff and issued by the:
(1) Chair of the Board of Appeals or the Chair's designee;
(2) Administrative Officer to the County Council, as directed by the County Auditor or the County Council;
(3) Chief of Staff to the County Executive, as directed by any other officer or the Personnel Board;
(4) Human Relations Officer; or
(5) Chair or Executive Director of the Ethics Commission.
(c) Service. A subpoena may be served by the Sheriff or by any person not less than 18 years of age who is not a party to the proceedings for which the subpoena is issued. The person effecting service shall prepare and sign an affidavit attesting to personal delivery. The County Council, the Human Relations Commission, or the Board of Appeals may supplement the provisions of this subsection by rule.
(d) Failure to obey. If a person fails to obey a subpoena, the individual authorizing the issuance of the subpoena may authorize the individual issuing the subpoena to certify the default to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Clerk shall promptly issue a body attachment directed to the Sheriff against the person named, compelling the person to obey the subpoena, returnable on the day named in the attachment.
(1985 Code, Art. 2, § 1-101) (Bill No. 13-89; Bill No. 17-93; Bill No. 95-94; Bill No. 23-04; Bill No. 71-16; Bill No. 57-19)
Charter reference – § 1009.