§121.1. Enforcement powers of commissioner

A. The commissioner may, in his discretion, conduct such investigations and hearings as he deems necessary to ascertain possible violations of this Title or any rule, regulation, or order promulgated or issued thereunder. Such hearings shall be private unless the commissioner, in his sole discretion and after considering the views of the person afforded the hearing, determines that a public hearing is necessary to protect the public interest. If the commissioner determines that a public hearing is necessary to protect the public interest, the confidentiality provisions of this Title and the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq., shall not apply.

B. Any person who is engaged in or is engaging in or is about to engage in any act or practice which is prohibited by this Title or any rule, regulation, or order promulgated or issued thereunder, or any person who has failed to act or is failing to act or is about to fail to act under any affirmative duty imposed by this Title or any rule, regulation, or order promulgated or issued thereunder shall be subject to appropriate action by the commissioner. Such action shall include but shall not be limited to the issuance of orders assessing civil money penalties, entering into compliance agreements, seeking injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction, or any combination thereof.

C. The commissioner may report egregious violations to the attorney general or to the district attorney of the appropriate parish, who may institute the proper proceedings to enjoin the violation and enforce the penalties provided herein.

D. In addition to the enforcement powers of the commissioner authorized in this Title and any other Title of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, he shall also have those enforcement powers authorized by Subsections A, B and C of this Section with respect to any person subject to licensing, registration, or regulation by the commissioner.

Acts 1990, No. 266, §1, eff. July 4, 1990; Acts 2006, No. 460, §1, eff. June 15, 2006.