Sec. 151.204. PROCESSING AND INVESTIGATION OF APPLICATION. (a) An application for a license under this chapter shall be processed and acted on according to the time periods established by commission rule.

(b) On receipt of an application that meets the requirements of Section 151.203 and Section 151.304 or 151.504, as applicable, the commissioner shall investigate the applicant to determine whether the prescribed qualifications have been met. The commissioner may:

(1) conduct an on-site investigation of the applicant;

(2) employ a screening service to assist with the investigation;

(3) to the extent the commissioner considers reasonably necessary to evaluate the application and the applicant's qualifications, investigate the financial responsibility and condition, financial and business experience, character and general fitness of each principal of, person in control of, principal of a person in control of, or proposed responsible individual of the applicant or any other person that is or will be associated with the applicant's licensed activities in this state; or

(4) require additional information and take other action the commissioner considers reasonably necessary.

(c) The commissioner may collect from the applicant the reasonable expenses of an on-site examination or third-party investigation. Additionally, depending on the nature and extent of the investigation required in connection with a particular application, the commissioner may require an applicant to pay a nonrefundable investigation fee in an amount established by commission rule.

(d) The commissioner may suspend consideration of an application for a license if the applicant or a principal of, person in control of, or proposed responsible individual of the applicant is the subject of a pending state or federal criminal prosecution, state or federal government enforcement action, or state or federal asset forfeiture proceeding until the conclusion of the prosecution, action, or proceeding.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1099 (H.B. 2218), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.