Final answer:
The Commissioner in Georgia can subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and take depositions during a hearing, but they are not authorized to prosecute individuals for criminal acts. Instead, they focus on regulatory actions such as conducting examinations of insurers to protect consumers and ensure fair insurance practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
If regulatory action is deemed necessary following an examination of an insurer in Georgia, the Commissioner has the authority to conduct a hearing with various powers. However, the Commissioner is not authorized to prosecute a person for violating a criminal act; such an action is generally reserved for law enforcement or a district attorney.
The Commissioner can, however, undertake actions such as subpoenaing witnesses, administering oaths, and taking depositions as part of their regulatory role. These powers serve to support the regulatory activities but do not extend to criminal prosecution.
It's important to remember that while state insurance regulators work to keep insurance prices low and ensure coverage is widespread, they do not possess the power to prosecute criminal acts. This separation ensures that regulatory authorities focus on industry oversight and consumer protection without infringing on the jurisdiction of the criminal justice system.