(a) This chapter shall be administered by the Attorney General who shall be ex officio the Securities Commissioner and who may employ such additional assistants as he deems necessary. The Securities Commissioner may delegate any or all of his duties pursuant to this chapter to members of his staff, as he deems necessary or appropriate.

(b) It is unlawful for the Securities Commissioner or an officer, employee, or designee of the Securities Commissioner to use for personal benefit or the benefit of others records or other information obtained by or filed with the Securities Commissioner that are not public under Section 35-1-607(b). This chapter does not authorize the Securities Commissioner or an officer, employee, or designee of the Securities Commissioner to disclose the record or information, except in accordance with Section 35-1-602, 35-1-607(c), or 35-1-608.

(c) This chapter does not create or diminish a privilege or exemption that exists at common law, by statute or rule, or otherwise.

(d) The Securities Commissioner may develop and implement investor education initiatives to inform the public about investing in securities, with particular emphasis on responsible investing and on the prevention and detection of securities fraud. In developing and implementing these initiatives, the Securities Commissioner may collaborate with public and nonprofit organizations with an interest in investor education. The Securities Commissioner may accept grants or donations to develop and implement investor education initiatives. This subsection does not authorize the Securities Commissioner to require participation or monetary contributions of a registrant in an investor education program.

HISTORY: 2005 Act No. 110, Section 1, eff January 1, 2006.