(A) The attorney general, before taking any action regarding enforcement of the reparations fund's right of repayment, reimbursement, recovery, and subrogation pursuant to section 2743.72 of the Revised Code, or before taking any other action pursuant to that section, may investigate the need for that action.

(B)

(1) For the purpose of determining whether action is necessary under section 2743.72 of the Revised Code, the attorney general may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to compel any person or entity to provide any information regarding overpayments from the reparations fund or that the attorney general determines would impact whether action should be taken under section 2743.72 of the Revised Code.

(2) If the attorney general issues a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum under this section and if the materials required to be produced are located outside this state, the attorney general may designate one or more representatives, including officials of the state in which the materials are located, to inspect the materials on the attorney general's behalf, and the attorney general may respond to similar requests from officials of other states. The person or entity may make the materials available to the attorney general at a convenient location within the state.

(3) At any time before the return day specified in the subpoena or subpoena duces tecum issued under this section or within twenty days after the subpoena or subpoena duces tecum has been served, whichever period is shorter, the person or entity subpoenaed may file with the court of common pleas of Franklin county a petition to extend the return day or to modify or quash the subpoena or subpoena duces tecum. The petition shall state good cause.

(4) A person or entity who is subpoenaed under this section shall comply with the terms of the subpoena or subpoena duces tecum unless otherwise provided by an order of the court of common pleas of Franklin county entered prior to the day for return contained in the subpoena or as extended by the court. In the event a person or entity fails to comply with a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum issued under this section, that failure shall be contempt of court under division (C) of section 2705.02 of the Revised Code. The attorney general may file a charge of contempt of court under section 2705.03 of the Revised Code in the court of common pleas of Franklin county for that failure and may obtain an order adjudging the person or entity in contempt of court under section 2705.05 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 05-06-2005 .