Sec. 35.208. EMERGENCY CEASE AND DESIST ORDER. (a) The banking commissioner may issue an emergency cease and desist order to a person whom the banking commissioner reasonably believes is engaging in a continuing unauthorized activity that is fraudulent or threatens immediate and irreparable public harm.

(b) The order must:

(1) be delivered on issuance to each person affected by the order by personal delivery or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person's last known address;

(2) state the specific charges and require the person immediately to cease and desist from the unauthorized activity; and

(3) contain a notice that a request for hearing may be filed under this section.

(c) Unless a person against whom the order is directed requests a hearing in writing before the 11th day after the date it is served on the person, the emergency order is final and nonappealable as to that person. A request for a hearing must:

(1) be in writing and directed to the banking commissioner; and

(2) state the grounds for the request to set aside or modify the order.

(d) On receiving a request for a hearing, the banking commissioner shall serve notice of the time and place of the hearing by personal delivery or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. The hearing must be held not later than the 10th day after the date the banking commissioner receives the request for a hearing unless the parties agree to a later hearing date. At the hearing, the department has the burden of proof and must present evidence in support of the order. The person requesting the hearing may cross-examine witnesses and show cause why the order should not be affirmed.

(e) After the hearing, the banking commissioner shall affirm, modify, or set aside in whole or part the emergency cease and desist order. An order affirming or modifying the emergency cease and desist order is immediately final for purposes of enforcement and appeal.

(f) An order continues in effect unless the order is stayed by the banking commissioner. The banking commissioner may impose any condition before granting a stay of the order.

Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.