17-4-605. Rules, forms, orders, interpretative opinions, and hearings.

(a) The secretary of state may:

(i) Issue forms and orders and, after notice and comment, may adopt and amend rules necessary or appropriate to carry out this act and may repeal rules, including rules and forms governing registration statements, applications, notice filings, reports, and other records;

(ii) By rule, define terms, whether or not used in this act, but those definitions may not be inconsistent with this act; and

(iii) By rule, classify securities, persons, and transactions and adopt different requirements for different classes.

(b) Under this act, a rule or form may not be adopted or amended, or an order issued or amended, unless the secretary of state finds that the rule, form, order, or amendment is necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors and is consistent with the purposes intended by this act. In adopting, amending, and repealing rules and forms, W.S. 17-4-608 applies in order to achieve uniformity among the states and coordination with federal laws in the form and content of registration statements, applications, reports, and other records, including the adoption of uniform rules, forms, and procedures.

(c) Subject to section 15(h) of the Securities Exchange Act and section 222 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the secretary of state may require that a financial statement filed under this act be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and comply with other requirements specified by rule adopted or order issued under this act. A rule adopted or order issued under this act may establish:

(i) Subject to section 15(h) of the Securities Exchange Act and section 222 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the form and content of financial statements required under this act;

(ii) Whether unconsolidated financial statements must be filed; and

(iii) Whether required financial statements must be audited by an independent certified public accountant.

(d) The secretary of state may provide interpretative opinions or issue determinations that the secretary of state will not institute a proceeding or an action under this act against a specified person for engaging in a specified act, practice, or course of business if the determination is consistent with this act. A rule adopted or order issued under this act may establish a reasonable charge for interpretative opinions or determinations that the secretary of state will not institute an action or a proceeding under this act.

(e) A penalty under this act may not be imposed for, and liability does not arise from conduct that is engaged in or omitted in good faith believing it conforms to a rule, form, or order of the secretary of state under this act.

(f) A hearing in an administrative proceeding under this act must be conducted in public unless the secretary of state for good cause consistent with this act determines that the hearing will not be so conducted.