Sec. 711.059. SEIZURE OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.

(a) The commissioner may issue an order to seize accounts in which funds from the sale or resale of the exclusive right of sepulture in a plot, including earnings, may be held and may issue an order to seize the records that relate to the sale or resale of the exclusive right of sepulture in a plot if the commissioner finds, by examination or other credible evidence, that the person:

(1) failed to remit a fee in accordance with Section 711.0381;

(2) misappropriated, converted, or illegally withheld or failed or refused to pay on demand money entrusted to the person that belongs to a cemetery organization under an instrument of conveyance; or

(3) refused to submit to examination by the department.

(b) An order shall be served on the person named in the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the person.

(c) An order takes effect immediately and remains in effect unless stayed by the commissioner, if the commissioner finds that immediate and irreparable harm is threatened to the public or a beneficiary under a sale of the exclusive right of sepulture in a plot. If such a threat does not exist, the order must state the effective date, which may not be before the 16th day after the date the order is mailed.

(d) An emergency order remains in effect unless stayed by the commissioner. The person named in the order may request in writing an opportunity for a hearing to show that the emergency order should be stayed. On receipt of the request, the commissioner shall set a time before the 22nd day after the date the commissioner received the request, unless extended at the request of the person named in the order. The hearing is an administrative hearing relating to the findings that support immediate effect of the order.

(e) A nonemergency order takes effect as proposed unless the person named in the order requests a hearing not later than the 15th day after the date the order is mailed.

(f) After the issuance of an order under this section, the commissioner may initiate an administrative claim for ancillary relief, including a claim for:

(1) costs incurred in the administration, transfer, or other disposition of the seized assets and records; or

(2) costs reasonably expected to be incurred in connection with the administration and performance of any outstanding certificate of ownership or other instrument of conveyance that is a part of a sale by the person subject to the order.

(g) The remedy provided by Subsection (f) is not exclusive. The commissioner may seek an additional remedy authorized under this subchapter.

Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 220 (H.B. 52), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2013.

Amended by:

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 20 (S.B. 614), Sec. 43, eff. September 1, 2019.