The department of revenue, in any matter material to the valuation, assessment or taxation of the operating property of any company, may cause the deposition of witnesses residing without the state or absent therefrom, to be taken upon notice to the company interested in like manner as the depositions of witnesses are taken in civil actions in the superior court.

Construction—Severability—1975 1st ex.s. c 278: See notes following RCW 11.08.160.