(815 ILCS 175/15-45)

Sec. 15-45. Powers of Secretary of State; privilege against self-incrimination; admissibility into evidence.

(a) The Secretary of State may do the following:

(1) Adopt rules and regulations to implement this Act.

(2) Make investigations and examinations:

(A) in connection with any application for registration of any loan broker or any registration already granted; or

(B) whenever it appears to the Secretary of State, upon the basis of a complaint or information, that reasonable grounds exist for the belief that an investigation or examination is necessary or advisable for the more complete protection of the interests of the public.

(3) Charge as costs of investigation or examination all reasonable expenses, including a per diem prorated upon the salary of any employee and actual traveling and hotel expenses. All reasonable expenses are to be paid by the party or parties under investigation or examination.

(4) Issue notices and orders, including cease and desist notices and orders, after making an investigation or examination under item (2) of subsection (a) of this Section. The Secretary of State may also bring an action to prohibit a person from violating this Act. The Secretary of State shall notify the person that an order or notice has been issued, the reasons for it and that a hearing will be set in accordance with the provisions of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act after the Secretary of State receives a written request from the person requesting a hearing.

(5) Sign all orders, official certifications, documents or papers issued under this Act or delegate the authority to sign any of those items to his or her designee.

(6) Hold and conduct hearings.

(7) Hear evidence.

(8) Conduct inquiries with or without hearings. Inquiries shall include oral and written requests for information. A failure to respond to a written request for information may be deemed a violation of this Act and the Secretary of State may issue notices and orders, including cease and desist notices and orders, against the violators.

(9) Receive reports of investigators or other officers or employees of the State of Illinois or any municipal corporation or governmental subdivision within the State.

(10) (Blank).

(11) (Blank).

(12) (Blank).

(13) Order depositions to be taken of any witness residing within or without the State. The depositions shall be taken in the manner prescribed by law for depositions in civil actions and made returnable to the Secretary of State.

(14) For the purpose of all investigations, audits, examinations, or inspections that, in the opinion of the Secretary of State are necessary and proper for the enforcement of this Act, the Secretary of State or a person designated by him or her is empowered to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, take evidence, and require by subpoena or other lawful means provided by this Act or the rules adopted by the Secretary of State the production of any books and records, papers, or other documents that the Secretary of State or a person designated by him or her deems relevant or material to the inquiry.

(b) If any person refuses to obey a subpoena issued under this Act, the Secretary of State may make application to any court of competent jurisdiction to order the person to appear before the Secretary of State and produce documentary evidence or give evidence as directed in the subpoena. The failure to obey the order of the court shall be subject to punishment by the court as contempt of court.

(c) No person shall be excused from complying with a subpoena on the ground that the testimony or evidence required may tend to incriminate the person or subject the person to a penalty or forfeiture. No individual may be prosecuted or subject to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing which the individual is compelled to testify or produce evidence, after claiming the privilege against self-incrimination. However, the individual so testifying shall not be exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying.

(d) In any prosecution, action, suit or proceeding based upon or arising out of this Act, the Secretary of State may sign a certificate showing compliance or non-compliance with this Act by any loan broker. This shall constitute prima facie evidence of compliance or non-compliance with this Act and shall be admissible in evidence in any court.

(e) Whenever it shall appear to the Secretary of State that any person is engaged or about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute or will constitute a violation of this Act, or of any rule or regulation prescribed under authority of this Act, the Secretary of State may at his or her discretion, through the Attorney General:

(1) File a complaint and apply for a temporary restraining order without notice, and upon a proper showing the court may enter a temporary restraining order without a bond, to enforce this Act.

(2) File a complaint and apply for a preliminary or permanent injunction, and, after notice and hearing and upon a proper showing, the court may grant a preliminary or permanent injunction and may order the defendant to make an offer of rescission with respect to any contract for loan brokerage services determined by the court to be unlawful under this Act.

(f) The court shall further have jurisdiction and authority, in addition to the penalties and other remedies in this Act provided, to enter an order for the appointment of the court or a person as a receiver, conservator, ancillary receiver or ancillary conservator for the defendant or the defendant's assets located in this State, or to require restitution, damages or disgorgement of profits on behalf of the person or persons injured by the act or practice constituting the subject matter of the action, and may assess costs and attorneys fees against the defendant for the use of the State.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99; 92-308, eff. 1-1-02.)