51A-17-8. Security device or deposit required. Each application shall be accompanied by a security device acceptable to the director in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars. The director may increase the amount of the security device to a maximum of five hundred thousand dollars upon the basis of the impaired financial condition of a licensee, as evidenced by a reduction in net worth, financial losses, or other relevant criteria. The security device shall be in a form satisfactory to the director and shall run to the state for the benefit of any claimants against the licensee to secure the faithful performance of the obligations of the licensee with respect to the receipt, handling, transmission, and payment of money in connection with the sale and issuance of payment instruments or the transmission of money, or both. In the case of a surety bond, the aggregate liability of the surety may not exceed the principal sum of the bond. Any claimant against the licensee may bring suit directly on the security device or the director may bring suit on behalf of any claimant, either in one action or in successive actions.

In lieu of a security device or of any portion of the principal thereof, as required by this section, the licensee may deposit with the director, or with such banks in this state as the licensee may designate and the director may approve, cash, interest-bearing stocks and bonds, notes, debentures, or other obligations of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof, or guaranteed by the United States, or of this state, or of a city, county, school district, or instrumentality of this state, or guaranteed by this state, to an aggregate amount, based upon principal amount or market value, whichever is lower, of not less than the amount of the security device or portion thereof. The securities or cash shall be deposited as provided in this section and held to secure the same obligations as would the security device, but the depositor is entitled to receive all interest and dividends thereon, has the right, with the approval of the director, to substitute other securities for those deposited, and shall be required so to do on written order of the director made for good cause shown.

No security device may be cancelled without thirty days' written notice to the director. Cancellation does not affect any liability incurred or accrued during the period the security device was in effect.

Source: SL 2008, ch 253, § 8.