Section 2571 - Powers and dutiesThe department shall have the authority to:
(1) As follows: (i) Examine an instrument, document, account, book, record or file of a licensee or a person having a connection to the licensee or make other investigations as may be necessary to administer this act. The examination may include documents, accounts, books or records that relate to the operation of the licensee that are in the possession of an affiliate, subsidiary or other business entity.(ii) Under the authority of this paragraph, the department may remove an instrument, document, account, book, record or file of a licensee or person to a location outside of the licensee's or person's office location.(iii) The examination may be conducted without prior notice to the licensee or person and the costs of the examination shall be paid by the licensee or person subject to the examination.(2) Conduct administrative hearings on a matter pertaining to this act and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documents, accounts, books or records at a hearing. A document, account, book or record subject to subpoena may be retained by the department until the proceeding in connection with which it was subpoenaed is completed. A department official may administer oaths or affirmations to a person whose testimony is required.(3) Request and receive information or records, including reports of criminal history record information, from a Federal, State, local or foreign government entity regarding an applicant, a licensee or a person related to the business of debt settlement services. The cost associated with the request shall be paid by the applicant or licensee.(4) Promulgate regulations or issue statements of policy or orders to ensure the proper administration or enforcement of this act and the proper conduct of licensees under this act.(5) Prohibit a person or licensee that violates this act from working in a capacity related to activities regulated by the department.(6) Order a person or licensee to make restitution for actual damages to consumers caused by a violation of this act or to refund fees collected in violation of this act.(7) Issue a cease and desist order that takes effect immediately and is subject to a hearing within 14 days of the issuance of the order.(8) Impose other conditions or take other actions as the department deems appropriate to administer or enforce this act.(9) Provide the following on its Internet website: (i) Information for licensees on the provisions of this act.(ii) Information for consumers regarding the protections of this act.(iii) Information on filing consumer complaints, including a toll-free telephone number.(iv) A list of current licensees.Added by P.L. 1022 2014 No. 118, § 701, eff. 11/1/2014.