(a) On or before October 1, 1994, every commercial business in the state which, in the course of conducting business, utilizes weights, measures, and weighing and measuring devices covered by this article shall obtain a certificate of device registration for the commercial devices covered by this article, from the division. After October 1, 1994, it shall be unlawful in the state to conduct business subject to the provisions of this article without having first obtained a certificate of device registration from the division. Application for a certificate of device registration shall be made on a form provided by the division.

(b) A certificate of device registration is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. The certificate of device registration shall be posted within the place of business.

(c) Application for the renewal of a certificate of device registration shall be made on a form provided by the division at least 30 days prior to the renewal due date. The commissioner may deny the renewal of device registration for cause where the cause is the result of the conviction of the applicant, in a court of competent jurisdiction, for a violation of this article.

(d) Beginning January 1, 2018, the division shall charge an annual device registration fee, to be established by legislative rule: Provided, That upon the effective date of the amendments to this section adopted in the 2018 Regular Session of the Legislature, the division may not charge an annual device registration fee.

(e) All fees paid pursuant to this section shall be paid to the Commissioner of Labor and deposited in the Weights and Measures Fund for use by the commissioner for the implementation and enforcement of this article. Through June 30, 2019, amounts collected which are found from time to time to exceed funds needed for the purposes set forth in this article may be utilized by the commissioner as needed to meet the division’s funding obligations: Provided, That beginning July 1, 2019, amounts collected may not be utilized by the commissioner as needed to meet the division’s funding obligations.