(a) The arbitration panel shall, within 10 days after its establishment or any additional periods to which the parties agree, meet with the parties or their representatives, either jointly or separately, make inquiries and investigations, hold hearings, and take any other action including further mediation, that the arbitration panel deems appropriate.
§ 1299.5.Inquiries and Investigation, Hearings and Other Action By Panel
Title 9.5. Arbitration of Firefighter and Law Enforcement Officer Labor Disputes · Enacted 2000 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceSection 1299.5 requires the arbitration panel to meet with the parties, investigate, and hold hearings within 10 days of its formation, and gives it subpoena power to compel testimony and records relevant to the dispute.
Full Text of § 1299.5
(b) For the purpose of its hearings, investigations, or inquiries, the arbitration panel may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take the testimony of any person, and issue subpoenas duces tecum to require the production and examination of any employer's or employee organization's records, books, or papers relating to any subject matter before the panel.
Plain-English Summary
Once the panel is in place, this section tells it how to go about its work. Within 10 days of being established, or a longer period the parties agree to, the panel has to meet with the parties -- together or separately -- make inquiries, hold hearings, and take whatever other steps it thinks are appropriate, including further mediation.
To do that job properly, the panel needs access to information the parties might not volunteer. This section gives it subpoena power: it can compel witnesses to testify under oath and can issue subpoenas duces tecum reaching an employer's or employee organization's records, books, or papers relevant to whatever is before the panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon must the arbitration panel begin its work?
Within 10 days after its establishment, unless the parties agree to a longer period.
Can the panel compel witnesses to testify?
Yes. The panel may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and take testimony as part of its hearings and investigations.
Can the panel obtain an employer's or union's internal records?
Yes, through a subpoena duces tecum requiring production of records, books, or papers relevant to the matter before the panel.
Amendment History
Added by Stats 2000 ch 906 (SB 402), s 2, eff. 1/1/2001.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 29, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: arbitration panel subpoena power firefighterpanel hearing procedure police fire arbitration