Phoenix — Ch. 50 Human Relations § 50-54
Subpoena authority
Operative Text
(a) Authority for issuance. When authorized by the village board of trustees by resolution, the commission may require, by subpoena, the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence relating to any matter under investigation and hearing. (b) Issuance; service. The chairman may sign a subpoena that may be served by any police officer of village or by any person lawfully authorized to serve a subpoena under the laws of the state. (c) Place of appearance. The attendance of witnesses or the production of documentary evidence may be required at the designated place of the hearing within the village and before the commission as a whole, or before a duly constituted committee of the commission. (d) Witness fees. Witnesses summoned before the commission, or a committee of the commission, shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the circuit court. (e) Failure to appear; enforcement. In case of disobedience by a person to the subpoena, the commission may petition the circuit court of the county for an order requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses, for the production of documentary evidence, or both. (f) Oaths; preservation of evidence. The chairman of the commission or the commission member conducting the hearing is authorized to administer oaths and is required to provide for the preservation of all testimony taken.
Phoenix City Code Chapter 50, Section 50-54 establishes the subpoena authority of the Human Relations Commission when investigating and hearing matters under its jurisdiction. When authorized by resolution, the Commission can compel witnesses to appear and testify and require the production of documents. Witnesses are entitled to the same fees and mileage as those appearing in circuit court, and if someone refuses to comply with a subpoena, the Commission may seek a court order to enforce it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Phoenix Ch. 50 § 50-54, property owners or managers who are parties to a Human Relations Commission proceeding should be aware that the Commission holds formal investigative powers, including the ability to subpoena witnesses and documents. A compliant operator generally responds to any lawfully issued subpoena by appearing at the designated hearing location and producing requested documentary evidence. Ignoring or defying a subpoena issued under this provision can result in the Commission petitioning the circuit court for an enforcement order.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Phoenix Ch. 50 § 50-54 gives the Human Relations Commission the authority to subpoena witnesses and documents in proceedings that may include housing-related discrimination complaints. Tenants involved in a Commission hearing have the right to receive witness fees and mileage reimbursement if summoned to testify, consistent with circuit court standards. Those seeking to understand how this subpoena authority may apply to their situation can consult a tenant-rights organization or review the Commission's procedural rules for guidance on participating in a formal hearing.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.