(225 ILCS 429/50)

Sec. 50. Revocation or suspension of license.

(a) The Secretary may revoke or suspend any license if he or she finds that:

(1) any debt settlement provider has failed to pay the annual license fee or to maintain in effect the bond required under the provisions of this Act;

(2) the debt settlement provider has violated any provisions of this Act or any rule lawfully made by the Secretary under the authority of this Act;

(3) any fact or condition exists that, if it had existed at the time of the original application for a license, would have warranted the Secretary in refusing its issuance; or

(4) any applicant has made any false statement or representation to the Secretary in applying for a license under this Act.

(b) In every case in which a license is suspended or revoked or an application for a license or renewal of a license is denied, the Secretary shall serve notice of his or her action, including a statement of the reasons for his or her actions, either personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested. Service by mail shall be deemed completed if the notice is deposited in the U.S. Mail.

(c) In the case of a denial of an application or renewal of a license, the applicant or debt settlement provider may request, in writing, a hearing within 30 days after the date of service. In the case of a denial of a renewal of a license, the license shall be deemed to continue in force until 30 days after the service of the notice of denial, or if a hearing is requested during that period, until a final administrative order is entered.

(d) An order of revocation or suspension of a license shall take effect upon service of the order unless the debt settlement provider requests, in writing, a hearing within 10 days after the date of service. In the event a hearing is requested, the order shall be stayed until a final administrative order is entered.

(e) If the debt settlement provider requests a hearing, then the Secretary shall schedule the hearing within 30 days after the request for a hearing unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.

(f) The hearing shall be held at the time and place designated by the Secretary. The Secretary and any administrative law judge designated by the Secretary have the power to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of books, papers, correspondence, and other records or information that the Secretary considers relevant or material to the injury.

(g) The costs for the administrative hearing shall be set by rule.

(Source: P.A. 96-1420, eff. 8-3-10.)