SECTION 160:50-15-1.1. Investigative proceedings

(a)   Initiation. Investigations and inquiries are originated upon request or complaint of the public or by the Administrator upon the Administrator's motion. Any person may apply to the Administrator to institute a proceeding in respect to any violation of law over which the Administrator has jurisdiction. The request or complaint shall be in writing, signed by the initiator and shall contain a statement setting forth the alleged violations of law and the name and address of the party or parties at issue in the complaint. No forms or formal procedures are required in making requests or complaints. The initiator is not regarded as a party since the Administrator acts only in the public interest. The Administrator shall not take action when the alleged violation of law is merely a matter of private controversy and does not tend to adversely affect the public.

(b)   Procedure. The Administrator encourages voluntary cooperation in investigations. The Administrator may invoke any or all of the compulsory processes authorized by law, including subpoenas and depositions. The Administrator may issue a notice to grant access to, for examination and copying, records of any party being investigated, and may require a party to file a report or to submit answers in writing to specific questions relating to any matter under investigation. Inquiries and investigations are conducted by representatives designated and duly authorized to exercise and perform the duties of their office in accordance with the laws of Oklahoma and the regulations of the Administrator, including the administration of oaths and affirmations, in any matter under investigation by the Administrator. Any party under investigation, compelled to furnish information or documentary evidence, shall be advised of the purpose and scope of the investigation.

(c)   Confidentiality. The information obtained in the course of any investigation shall be confidential, except in civil or administrative proceedings conducted by the Administrator, or criminal proceedings instituted by the state.

(d)   Noncompliance. In case of failure to comply with the Administrator's investigative processes, the Administrator may initiate any authorized action, including acts for enforcement by the Administrator.

(e)   Violations. If the investigation finds any violations of the Code, the Act or these rules, the Administrator may initiate any authorized action.

(f)   Informal disposition. In order to avoid the expense and time involved in formal legal proceedings, it is the policy of the Administrator to afford parties who have engaged in unlawful acts and practices an opportunity to enter into stipulations, agreed settlements, consent orders or defaults when it appears to the Administrator that such procedure fully safeguards the public interest. The Administrator reserves the right in all matters to withhold the privilege of an informal disposition. All stipulations, agreed settlements, consent orders or defaults shall be public records.

[Source: Added at 16 Ok Reg 2160, eff 6-25-99]