ARTICLE 2. Investigatory Powers [1151. - 1151.6.]

Cal. Labor Code - LAB 2.

in effect

Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 1151. Section 1151.

For the purpose of all hearings and investigations, which, in the opinion of the board, are necessary and proper for the exercise of the powers vested in it by Chapters 5 (commencing with Section 1156) and 6 (commencing with Section 1160) of this part: (a) The board, or its duly authorized agents or agencies, shall at all reasonable times have access to, for the purpose of examination, and the right to copy, any evidence of any person being investigated or proceeded against that relates to any matter under investigation or in question. The members of the board or their designees or their duly authorized agents shall have the right of free access to all places of labor. The board, or any member thereof, shall upon application of any party to such proceedings, forthwith issue to such party subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of any evidence in such proceeding or investigation requested in such application. Within five days after the service of a subpoena on any person requiring the production of any evidence in his possession or under his control, such person may petition the board to revoke, and the board shall revoke, such subpoena if in its opinion the evidence whose production is required does not relate to any matter under investigation, or any matter in question in such proceedings, or if in its opinion such subpoena does not describe with sufficient particularity the evidence whose production is required. Any member of the board, or any agent or agency designated by the board for such purposes, may administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses, and receive evidence. Such attendance of witnesses and the production of such evidence may be required from any place in the state at any designated place of hearing. (b) In case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person, any superior court in any county within the jurisdiction of which the inquiry is carried on, or within the jurisdiction of which such person allegedly guilty of contumacy or refusal to obey is found or resides or transacts business, shall, upon application by the board, have jurisdiction to issue to such person an order requiring such person to appear before the board, its member, agent, or agency, there to produce evidence if so ordered, or there to give testimony touching the matter under investigation or in question. Any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof.

Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 1151.2. Section 1151.2.

(a) No person shall be excused from attending and testifying, or from producing books, records, correspondence, documents, or other evidence in obedience to the subpoena of the board, on the ground that the testimony or evidence required of him may tend to incriminate him or subject him to a penalty or forfeiture. However, no individual shall be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he is compelled, after having claimed his privilege against self-incrimination, to testify or produce evidence, except that such individual so testifying shall not be exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying. (b) No individual shall be granted immunity pursuant to subdivision (a) unless, at least 10 calendar days prior thereto, the board has given written notice, by registered mail, to the district attorney of each county who may have reasonable grounds for objecting to such grant of immunity. Such notice shall specify the subject matter of the inquiries to which the witness’ answers are to be immunized from use. The board may not grant immunity in any case where it finds that a district attorney has reasonable grounds for objecting to such grant of immunity provided that the board may disregard objections that are not accompanied by the declaration of the district attorney that he or she is familiar with the notice and which sets forth the grounds for resisting such grant of immunity.

Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 1151.3. Section 1151.3.

Any party shall have the right to appear at any hearing in person, by counsel, or by other representative.

Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 1151.4. Section 1151.4.

(a) Complaints, orders, and other process and papers of the board, its members, agents, or agency, may be served either personally or by registered mail or by telegraph, or by leaving a copy thereof at the principal office or place of business of the person required to be served. The verified return by the individual so serving the same setting forth the manner of such service shall be proof of the same, and the return post office receipt or telegraph receipt therefor when registered and mailed or telegraphed as provided in this subdivision shall be proof of service of the same. Witnesses summoned before the board, its members, agents, or agency, shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the courts of the state, and witnesses whose depositions are taken and the persons taking the same shall severally be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like services in the courts of the state. (b) All process of any court to which application may be made under this part may be served in the county where the defendant or other person required to be served resides or may be found.

Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 1151.5. Section 1151.5.

The several departments and agencies of the state upon request by the board, shall furnish the board all records, papers, and information in their possession, not otherwise privileged, relating to any matter before the board.

Cal. Labor Code - LAB § 1151.6. Section 1151.6.

Any person who shall willfully resist, prevent, impede, or interfere with any member of the board or any of its agents or agencies in the performance of duties pursuant to this part shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand ($5,000) dollars.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026