§ 14A-3-506. Examination of licensees - Access to records - Investigations.  


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  • (1)  At such times as the Administrator of Consumer Credit shall deem necessary, the Administrator or a duly authorized representative shall make an examination of the place or places of business of each licensee and shall inquire into and examine the loans, transactions, books, accounts, papers, correspondence, and records of such licensee insofar as they pertain to the business regulated by this title.  In the course of such examination, the Administrator or the duly authorized representative shall have free access to the office, place of business, files, safes and vaults of such licensee, and shall have the right to make copies of such books, accounts, papers, correspondence and records.  The Administrator or the duly authorized representative may, during the course of such examination, administer oaths and examine any person under oath upon any subject pertinent to any matter about which the Administrator is authorized or required by this title to consider, investigate, or secure information.  Any licensee who shall fail or refuse to let the Administrator or the duly authorized representative examine or make copies of such books, or other relevant documents shall thereby be deemed in violation of this title and such failure or refusal shall constitute grounds for the administrative action against such license.  The information obtained in the course of such examination shall be confidential.  Each licensee shall pay to the Administrator an examination fee.  The Administrator may require payment of an examination fee either at the time of initial application, renewal of the license, or after an examination has been conducted.

    (2)  For the purpose of discovering violations of this title or of securing information required hereunder, the Administrator or a duly authorized representative may investigate the books, accounts, papers, correspondence and records of any licensee or other person whom the Administrator has reasonable cause to believe is violating any provision of this title whether or not such person shall claim to be within the authority or scope of this part.  For the purpose of this part, any person who advertises for, solicits or otherwise communicates a willingness to make loans on which the loan finance charge exceeds ten percent (10%) per year as determined according to the provisions on loan finance charges for consumer loans, Section 3-201 of this title, shall be presumed to be engaged in the business of making supervised loans.

    (3)  Each licensee shall keep or make available in this state such books and records relating to loans made under this title as are necessary to enable the Administrator to determine whether the licensee is complying with this title.  Such books and records shall be consistent with accepted accounting practices.

    (4)  Each licensee shall preserve or make available such books and records in this state relating to each of its loans for four (4) years from the date of the loan, or two (2) years from the date of the final entry made thereon, whichever is later.  Each licensee's system of records shall be accepted if it discloses such information as may be reasonably required under this title.  All obligations signed by borrowers shall be kept at an office in this state designated by the licensee, except when transferred under an agreement which gives the Administrator access thereto.

    (5)  Each licensee shall, annually on or before the first day of May, file a report with the Administrator setting forth such relevant information as the Administrator may reasonably require concerning the business and operations during the preceding calendar year for each licensed place of business conducted by such licensee within the state.  Such report shall be made under oath and shall be in the form prescribed by the Administrator, who shall make and publish annually a consolidated analysis and recapitulation of such reports, but the individual reports shall be held confidential. There shall be a late fee for any annual report received after May 1.

    (6)  The Administrator may promulgate rules necessary for the enforcement of this title and consistent with all of its provisions.  Before adopting a rule the Administrator shall give every licensee at least twenty (20) days' written notice of a public hearing, stating the time and place thereof and the terms or substance of the proposed rule.  At the hearing, any licensee or other person may be heard and introduce evidence, data, or arguments or place the same on file.  The Administrator shall adopt and promulgate every rule in written form stating the date of adoption and the date of promulgation.  A copy of every rule shall be mailed to each licensee prior to the effective date.

    (7)  On application of any person and payment of the costs therefor, the Administrator shall furnish under the Administrator’s seal and signed by the Administrator or an assistant, a certificate of good standing or a certified copy of any license, rule or order.

    (8)  Any transcript of any hearing held by the Administrator or the independent hearing examiner under this title shall be a public record and open to inspection at all reasonable times.

    (9)  Upon failure without lawful excuse to obey a subpoena or to give testimony and upon reasonable notice to all persons affected thereby, the Administrator or a representative may apply to a court for an order compelling compliance, as provided by the Administrative Procedures Act.

    (10)  There shall be assessed, in addition to any other penalties provided for by law, an administrative service fee for each check returned to the Department of Consumer Credit or any agent thereof by reason of the refusal of the bank upon which such check was drawn to honor the same.  However, the fee provided in this subsection shall not be assessed for any check returned because of "insufficient funds" unless the check has been presented to the bank two times and payment declined by the bank.

Added by Laws 1969, c. 352, § 3-506, eff. July 1, 1969.  Amended by Laws 1987, c. 208, § 42, operative July 1, 1987; Laws 1987, c. 236, § 68, emerg. eff. July 20, 1987; Laws 1993, c. 270, § 24, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 1993, c. 329, § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 2000, c. 217, § 18, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2010, c. 415, § 4, eff. July 1, 2010.