§ 32–1005. Authority of Mayor.

(a) The Mayor or his authorized representative shall have the authority to:

(1) Investigate and ascertain the wages of persons employed in any occupation in the District of Columbia;

(2) Enter and inspect the place of business or employment of any employer in the District of Columbia in order to:

(A) Examine and inspect any books, registers, payrolls, and other records as the Mayor or the Mayor’s authorized representative may deem necessary or appropriate;

(B) Copy books, registers, payrolls, and other records as the Mayor or the Mayor’s authorized representative may deem necessary or appropriate; and

(C) Question an employee for the purpose of ascertaining whether the provisions of this subchapter and the orders and regulations issued thereunder have been and are being complied with; and

(3) Require from any employer full and correct statements in writing, including sworn statements, with respect to wages, hours, names, addresses, and any other information that pertains to the employment of the employees as the Mayor or the Mayor’s authorized representative may deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.

(b) The Mayor shall encourage reporting pursuant to this subchapter by keeping confidential, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable laws, the name and other identifying information of the employee or other person reporting a violation during the course of any investigation; provided, that with the authorization of such person, the Mayor may disclose his or her name and identifying information as necessary to conduct a hearing and enforce this subchapter or other employee protection laws.