Rhode Island § 28-12-14 - Minimum Wages

§ 28-12-14. Enforcement powers.

The director or the commissioner or any authorized representative of either shall have the authority to:

(1) Investigate and ascertain the wages of persons employed in any occupation in this state;

(2) Enter and inspect the places of business or employment of any employer of employees in any occupation in the state for the purpose of examining and inspecting any or all books, registers, payrolls, and other records of any employer that in any way relate to or have a bearing on the question of wages, hours, and other conditions of employment of any employees, and may question employees for the purpose of ascertaining whether the provisions of this chapter and the orders and regulations issued under this chapter have been and are being complied with;

(3) Require from any employer of employees in any occupation in this state full and correct statements, in writing, including sworn statements with respect to wages, hours, names, addresses, and any other information pertaining to the employer’s employees and their employment that the director or the commissioner or their authorized representative deems necessary or appropriate;

(4) Administer rules and require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of all books, records, and other evidence relative to any matter under investigation. The subpoena shall be signed and issued by the director or the commissioner and shall be served and have the same effect as if issued out of the superior court;

(5) Cause the depositions of witnesses residing within or outside of the state to be taken in the manner prescribed for like depositions in civil actions in the superior court;

(6) Carry out the provisions of this chapter; and

(7) Bring all actions, suits, complaints, and prosecutions for the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. Complaints shall be signed and issued by the director or the commissioner or any authorized representative of either.