(a) The commissioner may issue an order suspending a subject person from his or her office, if any, with the licensee and prohibiting him or her from further participating in any manner in the conduct of the business of the licensee, except with the consent of the commissioner, if the commissioner finds both of the following:

(1) That the factors set forth in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) of Section 28705 or the factors set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 28706 are true with respect to the subject person of a licensee.

(2) That it is necessary for the protection of the interests of the licensee or the accredited investors of the licensee, or for the protection of the public interest that the commissioner immediately suspend the subject person from his or her office, if any, with the licensee and prohibit him or her from further participating in any manner in the conduct of the business of the licensee.

(b) (1) Within 30 days after an order is issued pursuant to subdivision (a), any subject person of a licensee to whom the order is directed may file with the commissioner an application for a hearing on the order. The filing of an application for a hearing shall not stay the effectiveness of the order. If the commissioner fails to begin a hearing within 15 business days after the application is filed (or within any longer period to which the subject person consents), the order shall be deemed rescinded. Upon the completion of the hearing, the commissioner shall affirm, modify, or rescind the order.

(2) The right of any subject person of a licensee to whom an order is issued under subdivision (a) to petition for judicial review of the order shall not be affected by the failure of the subject person to apply to the commissioner for a hearing on the order pursuant to paragraph (1).

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 668, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999, by Sec. 4 of Ch. 668.)