R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-39-8: Subpoena power of the department of elementary and secondary education.

In any hearing conducted within the department of elementary and secondary education, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or the hearing officer shall have the power to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents or other material. Subpoenas shall also be issued by the commissioner or hearing officer at the request of any party participating in any hearing. If not complied with, subpoenas issued under this section shall be enforceable in a contempt action brought in the superior court of Providence County by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or any party in interest.