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20 U.S.C. 1097a: Administrative subpoenasText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 20-EDUCATIONCHAPTER 28-HIGHER EDUCATION RESOURCES AND STUDENT ASSISTANCE

§1097a. Administrative subpoenas

(a)  Authority

To assist the Secretary in the conduct of investigations of possible violations of the provisions of this subchapter, the Secretary is authorized to require by subpoena the production of information, documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, papers, and other documentary evidence pertaining to participation in any program under this subchapter. The production of any such records may be required from any place in a State.

(b)  Enforcement

In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to, any person, the Secretary may request the Attorney General to invoke the aid of any court of the United States where such person resides or transacts business for a court order for the enforcement of this section.

( Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, § 490A , as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, § 490B , Oct. 7, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1754 .)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 1001 of this title.