Sec. 151.710. REQUIREMENTS AND NOTICE AND HEARING PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY ORDERS. (a) This section applies to an emergency order issued by the commissioner under this subchapter.

(b) The commissioner may issue an emergency order, without prior notice and an opportunity for hearing, if the commissioner finds that:

(1) the action, violation, or condition that is the basis for the order:

(A) has caused or is likely to cause the insolvency of the license holder;

(B) has caused or is likely to cause the substantial dissipation of the license holder's assets or earnings;

(C) has seriously weakened or is likely to seriously weaken the condition of the license holder; or

(D) has seriously prejudiced or is likely to seriously prejudice the interests of the license holder, a purchaser of the license holder's money services, or the public; and

(2) immediate action is necessary to protect the interests of the license holder, a purchaser of the license holder's money services, or the public.

(c) In connection with and as directed by an emergency order, the commissioner may seize the records and assets of a license holder or authorized delegate that relate to the license holder's money services business.

(d) An emergency order must:

(1) state the grounds on which the order is based;

(2) advise the person against whom the order is directed that the order takes effect immediately, and, to the extent applicable, require the person to immediately cease and desist from the conduct or violation that is the subject of the order or to take the affirmative action stated in the order as necessary to correct a condition resulting from the conduct or violation or as otherwise appropriate;

(3) be delivered by personal delivery or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person against whom the order is directed at the person's last known address; and

(4) include a notice that a person may request a hearing on the order by filing a written request for hearing with the commissioner not later than the 15th day after the date the order is delivered or mailed.

(e) An emergency order takes effect as soon as the person against whom the order is directed has actual or constructive knowledge of the issuance of the order.

(f) A license holder or authorized delegate against whom an emergency order is directed must submit a written certification to the commissioner, signed by the license holder or authorized delegate, and their principals and responsible individuals, as applicable, and each person named in the order, stating that each person has received a copy of and has read and understands the order.

(g) Unless the commissioner receives a written request for a hearing from a person against whom an emergency order is directed not later than the 15th day after the date the order is delivered or mailed, the order is final and nonappealable as to that person on the 16th day after the date the order is delivered or mailed.

(h) A request for a hearing does not stay an emergency order.

(i) A hearing on an emergency order takes precedence over any other matter pending before the commissioner, and must be held not later than the 10th day after the date the commissioner receives the written request for hearing unless the administrative law judge extends the period for good cause or the parties agree to a later hearing date.

(j) An emergency order that has been affirmed or modified after a hearing is final for purposes of enforcement and appeal. The order may be appealed to the district court of Travis County as provided in Section 151.801(b).

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