(a) Within the organization of each escrow agent corporation, either as an owner, officer, or employee, there shall be one or more persons possessing a minimum of five years of responsible escrow or joint control experience to be stationed at the main office of the corporation and one or more persons possessing a minimum of four years of responsible escrow or joint control experience stationed at each branch. At least one such qualified person shall be stationed on duty at each business location licensed by this division during the time the location is open for business. A person who has satisfied educational requirements established by the commissioner may substitute education for up to one year of experience.

(b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to an Internet escrow agent with respect to escrows involving personal property. However, within the organization of each Internet escrow agent corporation engaged in the business of an escrow involving personal property, either as an owner, officer, or employee, one or more qualified persons shall possess knowledge and understanding of the Escrow Law (as set forth in Division 6 (commencing with Section 17000)), the rules promulgated thereunder, and accounting so that, among other things, appropriate books and records are used and maintained in order to account for escrows involving personal property. At least one qualified person shall be on duty at each business location of an Internet escrow agent licensed by this division when operations are being conducted that require knowledge of accounting and the Escrow Law and regulations. An Internet escrow agent shall notify the commissioner of the daily business hours during which those operations are to be conducted.

(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 437, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2001.)