(205 ILCS 658/Art. I heading)
ARTICLE I. Title & Purpose
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/1-1)
Sec. 1-1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Uniform Money Transmission Modernization Act.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/1-2)
Sec. 1-2. Purpose. (a) This Act is designed to replace existing State money transmission laws currently codified under the Transmitters of Money Act. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the provisions of this Act accomplish the following: (1) ensure states can coordinate in all areas of | ||
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(2) protect the public from financial crime; (3) standardize the types of activities that are | ||
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(4) modernize safety and soundness requirements to | ||
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(b) The provisions of this Act shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. II heading)
ARTICLE II. Definitions
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/2-1)
Sec. 2-1. Definitions. As used in this Act: "Acting in concert" means persons knowingly acting together with a common goal of jointly acquiring control of a licensee whether or not pursuant to an express agreement. "Authorized delegate" means a person a licensee designates to engage in money transmission on behalf of the licensee. "Average daily money transmission liability" means the amount of the licensee's outstanding money transmission obligations in this State at the end of each day in a given period of time, added together, and divided by the total number of days in the given period of time. For purposes of calculating average daily money transmission liability under this Act for any licensee required to do so, the given period of time shall be the quarters ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. "Bank Secrecy Act" means the Bank Secrecy Act, 31 U.S.C. 5311, et seq. and its implementing rules and regulations, as amended and recodified from time to time. "Bill payment service" means the business of transmitting money on behalf of an Illinois person for the purposes of paying the person's bills. "Closed loop stored value" means stored value that is redeemable by the issuer only for goods or services provided by the issuer or its affiliate or franchisees of the issuer or its affiliate, except to the extent required by applicable law to be redeemable in cash for its cash value. "Control" means: (1) the power to vote, directly or indirectly, at | ||
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(2) the power to elect or appoint a majority of key | ||
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(3) the power to exercise, directly or indirectly, a | ||
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For purposes of determining the percentage of a person controlled by any other person, the person's interest shall be aggregated with the interest of any other immediate family member, including the person's spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and any other person who shares such person's home. "Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. "Division" means the Division of Financial Institutions of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. "Eligible rating" means a credit rating of any of the 3 highest rating categories provided by an eligible rating service, whereby each category may include rating category modifiers such as "plus" or "minus" for S&P, or the equivalent for any other eligible rating service. For purposes of this definition, long-term credit ratings are deemed eligible if the rating is equal to "A-" or higher by S&P, or the equivalent from any other eligible rating service; short-term credit ratings are deemed eligible if the rating is equal to or higher than "A-2" or "SP-2" by S&P, or the equivalent from any other eligible rating service; if ratings differ among eligible rating services, the highest rating shall apply when determining whether a security bears an eligible rating. "Eligible rating service" means any nationally recognized statistical rating organization as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and any other organization designated by the Secretary by rule or order. "Federally insured depository financial institution" means a bank, credit union, savings and loan association, trust company, savings association, savings bank, industrial bank, or industrial loan company organized under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States, if the bank, credit union, savings and loan association, trust company, savings association, savings bank, industrial bank, or industrial loan company has federally insured deposits. "In this State" means at a physical location within this State for a transaction requested in person. For a transaction requested electronically or by phone, the provider of money transmission may determine if the person requesting the transaction is in this State by relying on other information provided by the person regarding the location of the individual's residential address or a business entity's principal place of business or other physical address location, and any records associated with the person that the provider of money transmission may have that indicate such location, including, but not limited to, an address associated with an account. Solely for purposes of payroll processing services, "in this State" for a transaction requested electronically or by phone, means the mailing address the person requesting the payroll processing services uses with the Internal Revenue Service is in Illinois. "Individual" means a natural person. "Key individual" means any individual ultimately responsible for establishing or directing policies and procedures of the licensee, such as an executive officer, manager, director, or trustee. "Licensee" means a person licensed under this Act. "Material litigation" means litigation, that according to United States generally accepted accounting principles, is significant to a person's financial health and would be required to be disclosed in the person's annual audited financial statements, report to shareholders, or similar records. "Money" means a medium of exchange that is authorized or adopted by the United States or a foreign government as part of its currency and that is customarily used and accepted as a medium of exchange in the country of issuance. "Money" includes a monetary unit of account established by an intergovernmental organization or by agreement between 2 or more governments. "Monetary value" means a medium of exchange, whether or not redeemable in money unless excluded by rule by the Secretary. "Money transmission" means any of the following: (1) Selling or issuing payment instruments to a | ||
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(2) Selling or issuing stored value to a person | ||
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(3) Receiving money for transmission from a person | ||
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"Money transmission" includes bill payment services and payroll processing services. "Money transmission" does not include the provision solely of online or telecommunications services or network access. "MSB accredited state agency" means a state agency that is accredited by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and Money Transmitter Regulators Association for money transmission licensing and supervision. "Multistate licensing process" means any agreement entered into by and among state regulators relating to coordinated processing of applications for money transmission licenses, applications for the acquisition of control of a licensee, control determinations, or notice and information requirements for a change of key individuals. "NMLS" means the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry developed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators and owned and operated by the State Regulatory Registry, LLC, or any successor or affiliated entity, for the licensing and registration of persons in financial services industries. "Outstanding money transmission obligations" means any of the following: (1) Any payment instrument or stored value issued or | ||
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(2) Any money received for transmission by the | ||
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For purposes of this definition, "in the United States" includes, to the extent applicable, a person in any state, territory, or possession of the United States; the District of Columbia; the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; or a U.S. military installation that is located in a foreign country. "Passive investor" means a person that: (1) does not have the power to elect a majority of | ||
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(2) is not employed by and does not have any | ||
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(3) does not have the power to exercise, directly or | ||
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(4) either: (A) attests to items (1), (2), and (3), in a form | ||
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(B)commits to the passivity characteristics of | ||
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"Payment instrument" means a written or electronic check, draft, money order, traveler's check, or other written or electronic instrument for the transmission or payment of money or monetary value, whether or not negotiable. "Payment instrument" does not include stored value or any instrument that (1) is redeemable by the issuer only for goods or services provided by the issuer or its affiliate or franchisees of the issuer or its affiliate, except to the extent required by applicable law to be redeemable in cash for its cash value; or (2) not sold to the public but issued and distributed as part of a loyalty, rewards, or promotional program. "Payroll processing services" means receiving money for transmission pursuant to a contract with a person to deliver wages or salaries, make payment of payroll taxes to State and federal agencies, make payments relating to employee benefit plans, or make distributions of other authorized deductions from wages or salaries. "Payroll processing services" does not include an employer performing payroll processing services on its own behalf or on behalf of its affiliate. "Person" means any individual, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust, association, joint stock corporation, or other corporate entity identified by the Secretary. "Receiving money for transmission" or "money received for transmission" means receiving money or monetary value in the United States for transmission within or outside the United States by electronic or other means. "Secretary" means the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation, the acting Secretary, or a person authorized by the Secretary. "Stored value" means monetary value representing a claim against the issuer evidenced by an electronic or digital record, and that is intended and accepted for use as a means of redemption for money or monetary value, or payment for goods or services. "Stored value" includes, but is not limited to, "prepaid access" as defined by 31 CFR Section 1010.100, as amended or recodified from time to time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, "stored value" does not include a payment instrument or closed loop stored value, or stored value not sold to the public but issued and distributed as part of a loyalty, rewards, or promotional program. "Tangible net worth" means the aggregate assets of a licensee excluding all intangible assets, less liabilities, as determined in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. III heading)
ARTICLE III. Exemptions
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/3-1)
Sec. 3-1. Exemptions. This Act does not apply to: (1) An operator of a payment system to the extent that it provides processing, clearing, or settlement services, between or among persons exempted by this Section or licensees, in connection with wire transfers, credit card transactions, debit card transactions, stored value transactions, automated clearinghouse transfers, or similar funds transfers. (2) A person appointed as an agent of a payee to collect and process a payment from a payor to the payee for goods or services, other than money transmission itself, provided to the payor by the payee, if: (A) there exists a written agreement between the | ||
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(B) payment for the goods and services is treated as | ||
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(3) A person that acts as an intermediary by processing payments between an entity that has directly incurred an outstanding money transmission obligation to a sender, and the sender's designated recipient, if the entity: (A) is properly licensed or exempt from licensing | ||
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(B) provides a receipt, electronic record, or other | ||
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(C) bears sole responsibility to satisfy the | ||
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(4) The United States or a department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or its agent. (5) Money transmission by the United States Postal Service or by an agent of the United States Postal Service. (6) A State, county, city, or any other governmental agency or governmental subdivision or instrumentality of a State, or its agent. (7) A federally insured depository financial institution, bank holding company, office of an international banking corporation, foreign bank that establishes a federal branch pursuant to the International Bank Act, 12 U.S.C. 3102, as amended or recodified from time to time, corporation organized pursuant to the Bank Service Corporation Act, 12 U.S.C. Sections 1861 through 1867, as amended or recodified from time to time, or corporation organized under the Edge Act, 12 U.S.C. Sections 611 through 633, as amended or recodified from time to time, under the laws of a state or the United States. (8) Electronic funds transfer of governmental benefits for a federal, State, county, or governmental agency by a contractor on behalf of the United States or a department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or on behalf of a State or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof. (9) A board of trade designated as a contract market under the federal Commodity Exchange Act, 7 U.S.C. Sections 1 through 25, as amended or recodified from time to time, or a person that, in the ordinary course of business, provides clearance and settlement services for a board of trade to the extent of its operation as or for such a board. (10) A registered futures commission merchant under the federal commodities laws to the extent of its operation as such a merchant. (11) A person registered as a securities broker-dealer under federal or State securities laws to the extent of its operation as such a broker-dealer. (12) An individual employed by a licensee, authorized delegate, or any person exempted from the licensing requirements of the Act when acting within the scope of employment and under the supervision of the licensee, authorized delegate, or exempted person as an employee and not as an independent contractor. (13) A person expressly appointed as a third-party service provider to or agent of an entity exempt under paragraph (7) or (16), solely to the extent that: (A) such service provider or agent is engaging in | ||
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(B) the exempt entity assumes all risk of loss and | ||
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(14) Any other person, transaction, or class of persons or transactions exempted by rule or any other person or transaction exempted by the Secretary's order on a finding that the licensing of the person is not necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act. (15) Currency exchanges licensed under the Currency Exchange Act to the extent of its operation as such a currency exchange. (16) An insured depository credit union organized under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States with deposits insured by an insurer approved by the credit union's primary regulator.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/3-2)
Sec. 3-2. Authority to require demonstration of exemption. The Secretary may require that any person or entity claiming to be exempt from licensing pursuant to Section 3-1 provide information and documentation to the Secretary demonstrating that it qualifies for any claimed exemption. The burden of proving the applicability of an exemption is upon the person claiming the exclusion or exception.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. IV heading)
ARTICLE IV. Implementation, Confidentiality, Supervision & Relationship to Federal Law
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/4-1)
Sec. 4-1. Implementation. (a) In order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary may, subject to the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of Section 4-2: (1) enter into agreements or relationships with other | ||
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(2) use, hire, contract, or employ analytical | ||
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(3) accept, from other state or federal government | ||
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(4) accept audit reports made by an independent | ||
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(b) The Department shall have the broad administrative authority to administer, interpret and enforce this Act, and adopt rules or regulations implementing this Act and to recover the cost of administering and enforcing this Act by imposing and collecting proportionate and equitable fees and costs associated with applications, examinations, investigations, and other actions required to achieve the purpose of this Act. The Department's rulemaking authority shall include, but not be limited to: (1) such rules and regulations in connection with the | ||
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(2) such rules and regulations as may be necessary | ||
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(3) such rules and regulations as may define the | ||
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(4) such rules and regulations as may be necessary | ||
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(5) such rules and regulations establishing fees the | ||
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(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/4-2)
Sec. 4-2. Confidentiality. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, all information or reports obtained by the Secretary from an applicant, licensee, or authorized delegate, and all information contained in or related to an examination, investigation, operating report, or condition report prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of the Secretary, or financial statements, balance sheets, or authorized delegate information, are confidential and are not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. (b) The Secretary may disclose information not otherwise subject to disclosure under subsection (a) to representatives of State or federal agencies who promise in a record that they will maintain the confidentiality of the information or where the Secretary finds that the release is reasonably necessary for the protection and interest of the public. (c) This Section does not prohibit the Secretary from disclosing to the public a list of all licensees or the aggregated financial or transactional data concerning those licensees. (d) Information contained in the records of the Department that is not confidential and may be made available to the public either on the Department's website, upon receipt by the Department of a written request, or in NMLS shall include: (1) the name, business address, telephone number, and | ||
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(2) the business address of a licensee's registered | ||
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(3) the name, business address, and telephone number | ||
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(4) the terms of or a copy of any bond filed by a | ||
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(5) copies of any final orders of the Department | ||
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(e) Imposition of an administrative action under this Act is not confidential. (f) The Secretary, in his or her sole discretion, may disclose otherwise confidential information when he or she determines disclosure is in the public interest.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/4-3)
Sec. 4-3. Supervision. (a) The Secretary may conduct an examination or investigation of a licensee or authorized delegate or otherwise take independent action authorized by this Act or by a rule adopted or order issued under this Act as reasonably necessary or appropriate to administer and enforce this Act, rules and regulations implementing this Act, and other applicable law, including the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT ACT. The Secretary may: (1) conduct an examination either on-site or off-site | ||
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(2) conduct an examination in conjunction with an | ||
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(3) accept the examination report of another state | ||
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(4) summon and examine under oath a key individual or | ||
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(b) A licensee or authorized delegate shall provide, and the Secretary shall have full and complete access to, all records the Secretary may reasonably require to conduct a complete examination. The records must be provided at the location and in the format specified by the Secretary, however, the Secretary may use multistate record production standards and examination procedures when such standards will reasonably achieve the requirements of this subsection. (c) Unless otherwise directed by the Secretary, a licensee shall pay all costs reasonably incurred in connection with an examination of the licensee or the licensee's authorized delegates.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/4-4)
Sec. 4-4. Networked supervision. (a) To efficiently and effectively administer and enforce this Act and to minimize regulatory burden, the Secretary is authorized and encouraged to participate in multistate supervisory processes established between states and coordinated through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, Money Transmitter Regulators Association, and affiliates and successors thereof for all licensees that hold licenses in this State and other states. As a participant in multistate supervision, the Secretary may: (1) cooperate, coordinate, and share information with | ||
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(2) enter into written cooperation, coordination, or | ||
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(3) cooperate, coordinate, and share information with | ||
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(b) The Secretary may not waive, and nothing in this Section constitutes a waiver of, the Secretary's authority to conduct an examination or investigation or otherwise take independent action authorized by this Act or a rule adopted or order issued under this Act to enforce compliance with applicable state or federal law. (c) A joint examination or investigation, or acceptance of an examination or investigation report, does not waive an examination assessment provided for in this Act.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/4-5)
Sec. 4-5. Relationship to federal law. (a) If state money transmission jurisdiction is conditioned on a federal law, any inconsistencies between a provision of this Act and the federal law governing money transmission shall be governed by the applicable federal law to the extent of the inconsistency. (b) In the event of any inconsistencies between this Act and a federal law that governs pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary may provide interpretive rule or guidance that: (1) identifies the inconsistency; and (2) identifies the appropriate means of compliance | ||
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(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. V heading)
ARTICLE V. Money Transmission Licenses
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/5-1)
Sec. 5-1. License required. (a) A person may not engage in the business of money transmission or advertise, solicit, or hold oneself out as providing money transmission unless the person is licensed under this Act. (b) Subsection (a) does not apply to: (1) A person who is an authorized delegate of a | ||
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(2) A person who is exempt pursuant to Section 3-1 | ||
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(c) A license issued under Section 5-5 is not transferable or assignable.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/5-2)
Sec. 5-2. Consistent State licensing. (a) To establish consistent licensing between this State and other states, the Secretary is authorized and encouraged to: (1) implement all licensing provisions of this Act in | ||
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(2) participate in nationwide protocols for licensing | ||
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(b) In order to fulfill the purposes of this Act, the Secretary is authorized and encouraged to establish relationships or contracts with NMLS or other entities designated by NMLS to enable the Secretary to: (1) collect and maintain records; (2) coordinate multistate licensing processes and | ||
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(3) process fees; and (4) facilitate communication between this State and | ||
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(c) The Secretary is authorized and encouraged to use NMLS for all aspects of licensing in accordance with this Act, including, but not limited to, license applications, applications for acquisitions of control, surety bonds, reporting, criminal history background checks, credit checks, fee processing, and examinations. (d) The Secretary is authorized and encouraged to use NMLS forms, processes, and functionalities in accordance with this Act. If NMLS does not provide functionality, forms, or processes for a provision of this Act, the Secretary is authorized and encouraged to strive to implement the requirements in a manner that facilitates uniformity with respect to licensing, supervision, reporting, and regulation of licensees which are licensed in multiple jurisdictions. (e) For the purpose of participating in NMLS, the Secretary is authorized to waive or modify, in whole or in part, by rule, regulation or order, any or all of the requirements and to establish new requirements as reasonably necessary to participate in NMLS.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/5-3)
Sec. 5-3. Application for license. (a) Applicants for a license shall apply in a form and in a medium as prescribed by the Secretary. Each such form shall contain content as set forth by rule, regulation, instruction or procedure of the Secretary and may be changed or updated by the Secretary in accordance with applicable law in order to carry out the purposes of this Act and maintain consistency with NMLS licensing standards and practices. The application must state or contain, as applicable: (1) the legal name and residential and business | ||
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(2) a list of any criminal convictions of the | ||
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(3) a description of any money transmission | ||
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(4) a list of the applicant's proposed authorized | ||
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(5) a list of other states in which the applicant is | ||
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(6) information concerning any bankruptcy or | ||
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(7) a sample form of contract for authorized | ||
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(8) a sample form of payment instrument or stored | ||
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(9) the name and address of any federally insured | ||
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(10) any other information the Secretary or NMLS | ||
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(b) If an applicant is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other legal entity, the applicant shall also provide: (1) the date of the applicant's incorporation or | ||
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(2) if applicable, a certificate of good standing | ||
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(3) a brief description of the structure or | ||
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(4) the legal name, any fictitious or trade name, all | ||
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(5) a list of any criminal convictions and material | ||
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(6) a copy of audited financial statements of the | ||
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(7) a certified copy of unaudited financial | ||
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(8) if the applicant is a publicly traded | ||
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(9) if the applicant is a wholly owned subsidiary of: (A) a corporation publicly traded in the United | ||
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(B) a corporation publicly traded outside the | ||
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(10) the name and address of the applicant's | ||
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(11) any other information the Secretary reasonably | ||
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A nonrefundable application fee must accompany an application for a license under this Section in accordance with 38 Ill. Adm. Code 205.35, as amended or recodified from time to time. (c) The Secretary may waive one or more requirements of subsections (a) and (b) or permit an applicant to submit other information instead of the required information.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/5-4)
Sec. 5-4. Information requirements for certain individuals. (a) Any individual in control of a licensee or applicant, any individual that seeks to acquire control of a licensee, and each key individual shall furnish to the Secretary through NMLS the following items: (1) The individual's fingerprints for submission to | ||
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(2) Personal history and experience in a form and in | ||
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(A) an independent credit report from a consumer | ||
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(B) information related to any criminal | ||
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(C) information related to any regulatory or | ||
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(b) If the individual has resided outside of the United States at any time in the last 10 years, the individual shall also provide an investigative background report prepared by an independent search firm that meets the following requirements: (1) At a minimum, the search firm shall: (A) demonstrate that it has sufficient knowledge, | ||
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(B) not be affiliated with or have an interest | ||
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(2) At a minimum, the investigative background report | ||
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(A) if available in the individual's current | ||
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(B) criminal records information for the past 10 | ||
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(C) employment history; (D) media history, including an electronic search | ||
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(E) financial services-related regulatory | ||
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(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/5-5)
Sec. 5-5. Issuance of license. (a) When an application for an original license under this Act appears to include all the items and addresses of all of the matters that are required, the application is complete and the Secretary shall promptly notify the applicant in a record of the date on which the application is determined to be complete, and: (1) unless extended by the Secretary pursuant to the | ||
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(2) if the application is not approved or denied | ||
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(A) the application is approved; and (B) the license takes effect as of the first | ||
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(b) A determination by the Secretary that an application is complete and is accepted for processing means only that the application, on its face, appears to include all of the items, including the Criminal Background Check response from the FBI, and address all of the matters that are required, and is not an assessment of the substance of the application or of the sufficiency of the information provided. (c) When an application is filed and considered complete under this Section, the Secretary shall investigate the applicant's financial condition and responsibility, financial and business experience, character, and general fitness. The Secretary may conduct an on-site investigation of the applicant, the reasonable cost of which the applicant must pay. The Secretary shall issue a license to an applicant under this Section if the Secretary finds that all of the following conditions have been fulfilled: (1) the applicant has complied with Sections 5-3 and | ||
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(2) the financial condition and responsibility, | ||
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(d) If an applicant avails itself or is otherwise subject to a multistate licensing process: (1) the Secretary is authorized and encouraged to | ||
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(2) if Illinois is a lead investigative state, the | ||
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(e) The Secretary shall issue a formal written notice of the denial of a license application within 30 days after the decision to deny the application. The Secretary shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial of the application in the notice of denial and serve the applicant, either personally or by certified mail. Service by certified mail shall be deemed completed when the notice is deposited into the U.S. Mail. An applicant whose application is denied by the Secretary under this Section may submit a written request for a hearing that shall include the particular reasons why the applicant believes that the decision to deny the application was incorrect, within 10 days after service of the notice of the denial. If an applicant submits a timely request for a hearing, the Secretary shall schedule a hearing after the request for a hearing unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. The Secretary shall conduct hearings pursuant to this Section and in accordance with 38 Ill. Adm. Code 100, as amended or recodified from time to time. (f) The initial license term shall begin on the day that the application is approved. The license shall expire on December 31 of the year in which the license term began, unless the initial license date is between November 1 and December 31, in which instance the initial license term shall run through December 31 of the following year.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/5-6)
Sec. 5-6. Renewal of license. (a) A license under this Act shall be renewed annually. (b) An annual renewal fee in accordance with 38 Ill. Adm. Code 205.35 as amended or recodified from time to time shall be paid to the Department. The renewal term shall be for a period of one year and shall begin on January 1 of each year after the initial license term and shall expire on December 31 of the year the renewal term begins. (c) A licensee shall submit a renewal report, in a form and in a medium prescribed by the Secretary by December 1 of each year. The form requires any information deemed necessary by the Secretary to review a renewal application. At a minimum, the renewal report must state or contain a description of each material change in information submitted by the licensee in its original license application which has not been reported to the Secretary and a statement of the dollar amount and number of money transmissions and payment instruments sold, issued, exchanged, or transmitted in this State by the licensee and its authorized delegates for the past 4 completed calendar quarters. (d) The Secretary, in his or her discretion, may grant an extension of the renewal date. (e) The Secretary is authorized and encouraged to use NMLS to process license renewals if such functionality is consistent with this Section. (f) The Secretary shall issue a formal written notice of the denial of renewal within 30 days after the decision to deny the renewal. The Secretary shall set forth the specific reasons for denying the renewal in the notice of denial and serve the licensee, either personally or by certified mail. Service by certified mail shall be deemed completed when the notice is deposited into the U.S. Mail. A licensee whose renewal is denied by the Secretary under this Section may submit a written request for a hearing that shall include the particular reasons why the licensee believes that the decision to deny the renewal was incorrect within 10 days after service of the notice of the denial. If a licensee submits a timely request for a hearing, the Secretary shall schedule a hearing unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. The Secretary shall conduct hearings pursuant to this Section and in accordance with 38 Ill. Adm. Code 100, as amended or recodified from time to time. The expiring license shall be deemed to continue in force until 10 days after the service of the notice of denial or, if a timely hearing is requested during that period, until a final order is entered pursuant to a hearing.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/5-7)
Sec. 5-7. Maintenance of license. (a) If a licensee does not continue to meet the qualifications or satisfy the requirements that apply to an applicant for a new money transmission license, the Secretary may suspend or revoke the licensee's license in accordance with the procedures established by this Act or other applicable State law for such suspension or revocation. (b) An applicant for a money transmission license must demonstrate that it meets or will meet, and a money transmission licensee must at all times meet, the requirements in Article X of this Act.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/5-8)
Sec. 5-8. Fees. (a) The expenses of administering this Act, including investigations and examinations provided for in this Act, shall be borne by and assessed against entities regulated by this Act. The Department may establish fees by rule, including in the following categories: (1) investigation of licensees and license applicant | ||
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(2) examination fees; (3) contingent fees; and (4) such other categories as may be required to | ||
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(b) The Secretary shall charge and collect fees, which shall be nonrefundable unless otherwise indicated. (c) All fees currently assessed in accordance with 38 Ill. Adm. Code 205.35, as amended or recodified from time to time, shall remain in effect. Except for money required to be deposited into the TOMA Consumer Protection Fund pursuant to this Act, all moneys received by the Department shall be deposited into the Financial Institution Fund. Failure to pay any required fee by the due date shall subject the licensee to a penalty fee of $25 per day and disciplinary action.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/5-9)
Sec. 5-9. Liability of licensees. A licensee is liable for the payment of all moneys covered by payment instruments that it sells or issues in any form in this State through its authorized delegate and all moneys it receives itself or through its authorized delegate for transmission by any means whether or not any instrument is a negotiable instrument under the laws of this State.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. VI heading)
ARTICLE VI. Acquisition of Control and Change of Key Individual
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/6-1)
Sec. 6-1. Acquisition of control. (a) Any person, or group of persons acting in concert, seeking to acquire control of a licensee shall obtain the written approval of the Secretary before acquiring control. An individual is not deemed to acquire control of a licensee and is not subject to this Section when that individual becomes a key individual in the ordinary course of business. (b) A person, or group of persons acting in concert, seeking to acquire control of a licensee shall, in cooperation with the licensee: (1) submit an application in a form and in a medium | ||
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(2) submit a nonrefundable fee of $1,000 with the | ||
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(c) Upon request, the Secretary may permit a licensee or the person, or group of persons acting in concert, to submit some or all information required by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (b) without using NMLS. (d) The application required by subsection (b) shall include information required by Section 5-4 for any new key individuals that have not previously completed the requirements of Section 5-4 for a licensee. (e) When an application for acquisition of control under this Section appears to include all the items and address all of the matters that are required, the application shall be considered complete and: (1) unless extended by the Secretary pursuant to the | ||
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(2) if the application is not approved or denied | ||
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(A) the application is approved; and (B) the person, or group of persons acting in | ||
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(f) A determination by the Secretary that an application is complete and is accepted for processing means only that the application, on its face, appears to include all of the items and address all of the matters that are required, and is not an assessment of the substance of the application or of the sufficiency of the information provided. (g) When an application is filed and considered complete under subsection (e), the Secretary shall investigate the financial condition and responsibility, financial and business experience, character, and general fitness of the person, or group of persons acting in concert, seeking to acquire control. The Secretary shall approve an acquisition of control pursuant to this Section if the Secretary finds that all of the following conditions have been fulfilled: (1) The requirements of subsections (b) and (d) have | ||
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(2) the financial condition and responsibility, | ||
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(h) If an applicant avails itself or is otherwise subject to a multistate licensing process: (1) the Secretary is authorized and encouraged to | ||
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(2) if the Department is a lead investigative state, | ||
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(i) The Secretary shall issue a formal written notice of the denial of an application to acquire control within 30 days after the decision to deny the application. The Secretary shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial of the application in the notice of denial and serve the applicant, either personally or by certified mail. Service by certified mail shall be deemed completed when the notice is deposited into the U.S. mail. An applicant whose application is denied by the Secretary under this subsection (i) may submit a written request for hearing which shall include the particular reasons why the applicant believes that the decision to deny the application was incorrect, within 10 days after service of the notice of denial. If an applicant submits a timely request for a hearing, the Secretary shall schedule a hearing unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. The Secretary shall conduct hearings pursuant to this Section and in accordance with 38 Ill. Adm. Code 100, as amended or recodified from time to time. (j) The requirements of subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to any of the following: (1) a person that acts as a proxy for the sole | ||
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(2) a person that acquires control of a licensee by | ||
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(3) a person that acquires control of a licensee as a | ||
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(4) a person that is exempt under subsection (g) of | ||
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(5) A person that the Secretary determines is not | ||
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(6) A public offering of securities of a licensee or | ||
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(7) An internal reorganization of a person in control | ||
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(k) Persons in paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (6), and (7) of subsection (j) in cooperation with the licensee shall notify the Secretary within 15 days after the acquisition of control. (l) Streamlined acquisition of control. (1) The requirements of subsections (a) and (b) do | ||
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(A) the person has not had a license revoked or | ||
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(B) if the person is a licensee, the person is | ||
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(C) the licensee to be acquired is projected to | ||
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(D) the licensee to be acquired will not | ||
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(E) the person provides notice of the acquisition | ||
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(2) If the notice is not denied within 30 days after | ||
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(m) Before filing an application for approval to acquire control of a licensee a person may request in writing a determination from the Secretary as to whether the person would be considered a person in control of a licensee upon consummation of a proposed transaction. If the Secretary determines that the person would not be a person in control of a licensee, the proposed person and transaction is not subject to the requirements of subsections (a) and (b). (n) If a multistate licensing process includes a determination pursuant to subsection (m) and an applicant avails itself or is otherwise subject to the multistate licensing process: (1) The Secretary is authorized and encouraged to | ||
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(2) If the Department is a lead investigative state, | ||
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(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/6-2)
Sec. 6-2. Notice and information requirements for a change of key individuals. (a) A licensee adding or replacing any key individual shall: (1) provide notice in a manner prescribed by the | ||
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(2) provide information as required by Section 5-4 | ||
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(b) The Secretary may issue a formal written notice of denial of key individual within 90 days after the date on which the notice provided pursuant to subsection (a) was determined to be complete if the competence, experience, character, or integrity of the individual would not be in the best interests of the public or the customers of the licensee to permit the individual to be a key individual of such licensee. (c) The Secretary shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial in the notice of denial and serve the licensee and the denied individual, either personally, or by certified mail. Service by certified mail shall be deemed completed when the notice is deposited into the U.S. Mail. A licensee who has been denied by the Secretary under this subsection (c) may submit a written request for hearing which shall include the particular reasons why the licensee believes that the decision to deny was incorrect, within 10 days after service of the notice of the denial. If a licensee submits a timely request for a hearing, the Secretary shall schedule a hearing after the request for a hearing unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. The Secretary shall conduct hearings pursuant to this Section and in accordance with 38 Ill. Adm. Code 100. (d) If the notice provided pursuant to subsection (a) is not denied within 90 days after the date on which the notice was determined to be complete, or any extension thereof, the key individual is deemed approved. (e) If a multistate licensing process includes a key individual notice review and denial process pursuant to this Section and the licensee avails itself or is otherwise subject to the multistate licensing process: (1) the Secretary is authorized and encouraged to | ||
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(2) if the investigating state has sufficient | ||
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(3) if the Department is a lead investigative state, | ||
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(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. VII heading)
ARTICLE VII. Reporting and Records
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/7-1)
Sec. 7-1. Report of condition. (a) Each licensee, under penalty of perjury, shall submit a report of condition within 45 days of the end of the calendar quarter, or within any extended time as the Secretary may prescribe. (b) The report of condition shall include: (1) financial information at the licensee level; (2) nationwide and state-specific money transmission | ||
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(3) permissible investments report; (4) transaction destination country reporting for | ||
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(5) any other information the Secretary reasonably | ||
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(c) The information required by paragraph (4) of subsection (b) shall only be included in a report of condition submitted within 45 days of the end of the fourth calendar quarter.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/7-2)
Sec. 7-2. Audited financials. (a) Each licensee shall, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, or within any extended time as the Secretary may prescribe, file with the Secretary: (1) an audited financial statement of the licensee | ||
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(2) any other information as the Secretary may | ||
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(b) The audited financial statements shall be prepared by an independent certified public accountant or independent public accountant who is satisfactory to the Secretary; (c) The audited financial statements shall include or be accompanied by a certificate of opinion of the independent certified public accountant or independent public accountant that is satisfactory in form and content to the Secretary. If the opinion or certificate is qualified, the licensee must make a separate report to the Secretary notifying them of the qualified opinion or certification. If the certificate or opinion is qualified, the Secretary may order the licensee to take any action as the Secretary may find necessary to enable the certified public accountant or independent public accountant to remove the qualification.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/7-3)
Sec. 7-3. Authorized delegate reporting. (a) Each licensee shall submit a report of authorized delegates within 45 days of the end of the calendar quarter. The Secretary is authorized and encouraged to use NMLS for the submission of the report required by this Section provided that such functionality is consistent with the requirements of this Section. (b) The authorized delegate report shall include, at a minimum, each authorized delegate's: (1) company legal name; (2) taxpayer employer identification number; (3) principal provider identifier; (4) physical address; (5) mailing address; (6) any business conducted in other states; (7) any fictitious or trade name; (8) contact person name, phone number, and email; (9) start date as licensee's authorized delegate; (10) end date acting as licensee's authorized | ||
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(11) court orders pursuant to Section 8-3; and (12) Any other information the Secretary reasonably | ||
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(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/7-4)
Sec. 7-4. Reports of certain events. (a) A licensee shall file a report with the Secretary within one business day after the licensee has reason to know of the occurrence of any of the following events: (1) the filing of a petition by or against the | ||
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(2) the filing of a petition by or against the | ||
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(3) the commencement of a proceeding to revoke or | ||
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(b) A licensee shall file a report with the Secretary within 3 business days after the licensee has reason to know of the occurrence of any of the following events: (1) a charge or conviction of the licensee or of a | ||
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(2) a charge or conviction of an authorized delegate | ||
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(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/7-5)
Sec. 7-5. Bank Secrecy Act reports. A licensee and an authorized delegate shall file all reports required by federal currency reporting, record keeping, and suspicious activity reporting requirements as set forth in the Bank Secrecy Act and other federal and State laws pertaining to money laundering. The timely filing of a complete and accurate report required under this Section with the appropriate federal agency is deemed compliant with the requirements of this Section.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/7-6)
Sec. 7-6. Records. (a) Licensee shall maintain the following records, for determining its compliance with this Act, for at least 3 years: (1) a record of each outstanding money transmission | ||
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(2) a general ledger posted at least monthly | ||
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(3) bank statements and bank reconciliation records; (4) records of outstanding money transmission | ||
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(5) records of each outstanding money transmission | ||
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(6) a list of the last known names and addresses of | ||
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(7) any other records the Secretary reasonably | ||
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(b) The records specified in subsection (a) may be maintained in electronic or other retrievable form of record. (c) The records specified in subsection (a) shall be maintained at the licensee's principal place of business or, with notice to the Secretary, at another location designated by the licensee. If the records are maintained outside this State, the licensee shall make them accessible to the Secretary on 7 business-days' notice. (d) All records maintained by the licensee as required in subsections (a) through (c) are open to inspection by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 4-3. (e) A licensee shall require and its authorized sellers must preserve for at least 3 years all documents relating to money transmission activities, unless the data embodied in those documents has been transmitted for recordation by the licensee.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. VIII heading)
ARTICLE VIII. Authorized Delegates
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/8-1)
Sec. 8-1. Relationship Between licensee and authorized delegate. (a) As used in this Section, "remit" means to make direct payments of money to a licensee or its representative authorized to receive money or to deposit money in a bank in an account specified by the licensee. (b) Before a licensee is authorized to conduct business through an authorized delegate or allows a person to act as the licensee's authorized delegate, the licensee must: (1) adopt, and update as necessary, written policies | ||
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(2) enter into a written contract that complies with | ||
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(3) conduct a reasonable risk-based background | ||
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(c) An authorized delegate must operate in full compliance with this Act. (d) The written contract required by subsection (b) must be signed by the licensee and the authorized delegate and, at a minimum, must: (1) expressly appoint the person signing the contract | ||
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(2) set forth the nature and scope of the | ||
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(3) require the authorized delegate to agree to fully | ||
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(4) require the authorized delegate to remit and | ||
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(5) impose a trust on money and monetary value net of | ||
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(6) require the authorized delegate to prepare and | ||
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(7) acknowledge that the authorized delegate consents | ||
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(8) state that the licensee is subject to regulation | ||
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(9) acknowledge receipt of the written policies and | ||
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(e) If the licensee's license is suspended, revoked, surrendered, or expired, the licensee must, within 5 business days, provide documentation to the Secretary that the licensee has notified all applicable authorized delegates of the licensee whose names are in a record filed with the Secretary of the suspension, revocation, surrender, or expiration of a license. Upon suspension, revocation, surrender, or expiration of a license, applicable authorized delegates shall immediately cease to provide money transmission as an authorized delegate of the licensee. (f) An authorized delegate of a licensee holds in trust for the benefit of the licensee all money net of fees received from money transmission. If any authorized delegate commingles any funds received from money transmission with any other funds or property owned or controlled by the authorized delegate, all commingled funds and other property shall be considered held in trust in favor of the licensee in an amount equal to the amount of money net of fees received from money transmission. (g) An authorized delegate may not use a subdelegate to conduct money transmission on behalf of a licensee.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/8-2)
Sec. 8-2. Unauthorized activities. A person shall not engage in the business of money transmission on behalf of a person not licensed under this Act or not exempt pursuant to Article III of this Act. A person that engages in such activity provides money transmission to the same extent as if the person were a licensee, and shall be jointly and severally liable with the unlicensed or nonexempt person.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/8-3)
Sec. 8-3. Prohibited authorized delegates. (a) The circuit court in an action brought by a licensee shall have jurisdiction to grant appropriate equitable or legal relief, including, without limitation, prohibiting the authorized delegate from directly or indirectly acting as an authorized delegate for any licensee in this State and the payment of restitution, damages or other monetary relief, if the circuit court finds that an authorized delegate failed to remit money in accordance with the written contract required by subsection (b) of Section 8-1 or as otherwise directed by the licensee or required by law. (b) If the circuit court issues an order prohibiting a person from acting as an authorized delegate for any licensee pursuant to subsection (a), the licensee that brought the action shall report the order to the Secretary within 30 days and shall report the order through NMLS within 90 days. (c) An authorized delegate who holds money in trust for the benefit of a licensee and knowingly fails to remit more than $1,000 of such money is guilty of a Class 3 felony. (d) An authorized delegate who holds money in trust for the benefit of a licensee and knowingly fails to remit no more than $999 of such money is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. IX heading)
ARTICLE IX. Timely Transmission, Refunds, and Disclosures
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/9-1)
Sec. 9-1. Timely transmission. (a) Every licensee shall forward all money received for transmission in accordance with the terms of the agreement between the licensee and the sender, which shall be no more than 3 business days after the receipt of the money to be transmitted, unless the licensee has a reasonable belief or a reasonable basis to believe that the sender may be a victim of fraud or that a crime or violation of law, rule, or regulation has occurred, is occurring, or may occur. (b) If a licensee fails to forward money received for transmission in accordance with this Section, the licensee must respond to inquiries by the sender with the reason for the failure unless providing a response would violate a State or federal law, rule, or regulation.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/9-2)
Sec. 9-2. Refunds. (a) This Section does not apply to: (1) money received for transmission subject to the | ||
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(2) money received for transmission pursuant to a | ||
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(b) Every licensee shall refund to the sender within 10 days after receipt of the sender's written request for a refund of any and all money received for transmission unless any of the following occurs: (1) the money has been forwarded within 10 days after | ||
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(2) instructions have been given committing an | ||
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(3) the agreement between the licensee and the sender | ||
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(4) the refund is requested for a transaction that | ||
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(5) the refund request does not enable the licensee | ||
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(A) identify the sender's name and address or | ||
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(B) identify the particular transaction to be | ||
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(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/9-3)
Sec. 9-3. Receipts. (a) As used in this Section, "receipt" means a paper receipt, electronic record, or other written confirmation. For a transaction conducted in person, the receipt may be provided electronically if the sender requests or agrees to receive an electronic receipt. For a transaction conducted electronically or by phone, a receipt may be provided electronically. All electronic receipts shall be provided in a retainable form. (b) This Section does not apply to: (1) Money received for transmission subject to the | ||
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(2) money received for transmission pursuant to a | ||
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(3) payroll processing services; or (4) as authorized in the Secretary's sole discretion. (c) Every licensee or its authorized delegate shall provide the sender a receipt for money received for transmission. (1) The receipt shall contain the following | ||
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(A) the name of the sender; (B) the name of the designated recipient; (C) the date of the transaction; (D) the unique transaction or identification | ||
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(E) the name of the licensee, NMLS Unique ID, the | ||
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(F) the amount of the transaction in United | ||
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(G) any fee charged by the licensee to the sender | ||
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(H) any taxes collected by the licensee from the | ||
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(2) The receipt required by this Section shall be in | ||
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(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/9-4)
Sec. 9-4. Notice. Every licensee or authorized delegate shall include on a receipt or disclose on the licensee's website or mobile application the name and phone number of the Department and a statement that the licensee's customers can contact the Department with questions or complaints about the licensee's money transmission services.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/9-5)
Sec. 9-5. Disclosures for payroll processing services. (a) A licensee that provides payroll processing services shall: (1) issue reports to clients detailing client payroll | ||
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(2) make worker paystubs or an equivalent statement | ||
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(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a licensee providing payroll processing services where the licensee's client designates the intended recipients to the licensee and is responsible for providing the disclosures required by paragraph (2) of subsection (a).
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. X heading)
ARTICLE X. Prudential Standards
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/10-1)
Sec. 10-1. Net worth. (a) A licensee under this Act shall maintain at all times a tangible net worth of the greater of $100,000 or 3% of total assets for the first $100,000,000, 2% of additional assets for $100,000,000 to $1,000,000,000, and 0.5% of additional assets for over $1,000,000,000. (b) Tangible net worth must be demonstrated at initial application by the applicant's most recent audited or unaudited financial statements pursuant to paragraph (6) of subsection (b) of Section 5-3. (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, the Secretary shall have discretionary authority to exempt, in part or in whole, from the requirements of this Section any applicant or licensee.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/10-2)
Sec. 10-2. Surety bond. (a) An applicant for a money transmission license must provide, and a licensee at all times must maintain, security consisting of a surety bond in a form satisfactory to the Secretary. The bond shall run to the State of Illinois for the benefit of any claimant against the applicant or licensee with respect to the receipt, handling, transmission, and payment of money by the licensee or authorized delegate in connection with the licensed operations. A claimant damaged by a breach of the conditions of a bond shall have a right to action upon the bond for damages suffered thereby and may bring suit directly on the bond, or the Secretary may bring suit on behalf of the claimant. (b) The amount of the required security shall be the greater of $100,000 or an amount equal to 100% of the licensee's average daily money transmission liability in this State calculated for the most recently completed quarter, up to a maximum of $2,000,000; (c) A licensee that maintains a bond in the maximum amount provided for in subsection (b) is not required to calculate its average daily money transmission liability in this State for purposes of this Section. (d) A licensee may exceed the maximum required bond amount pursuant to paragraph (5) of subsection (a) of Section 10-4. (e) After receiving a license, the licensee must maintain the required bond plus net worth until 3 years after it ceases to do business in this State unless all outstanding payment instruments are eliminated or the provisions under the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act have become operative and are adhered to by the licensee. Notwithstanding this provision, however, the amount required to be maintained may be reduced to the extent that the amount of the licensee's payment instruments outstanding in this State are reduced. (f) Instead of a paper surety bond, each licensee and applicant shall file and maintain an electronic surety bond in NMLS or in a manner otherwise authorized by the Secretary.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/10-3)
Sec. 10-3. Maintenance of permissible investments. (a) A licensee shall maintain at all times permissible investments that have a market value computed in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles of not less than the aggregate amount of all of its outstanding money transmission obligations. (b) Except for permissible investments enumerated in subsection (a) of Section 10-4, the Secretary, with respect to any licensee, may by rule or order limit the extent to which a specific investment maintained by a licensee within a class of permissible investments may be considered a permissible investment, if the specific investment represents undue risk to customers, not reflected in the market value of investments. (c) Permissible investments, even if commingled with other assets of the licensee, are held in trust for the benefit of the purchasers and holders of the licensee's outstanding money transmission obligations in the event of insolvency, the filing of a petition by or against the licensee under the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Sections 101 through 110, as amended or recodified from time to time, for bankruptcy or reorganization, the filing of a petition by or against the licensee for receivership, the commencement of any other judicial or administrative proceeding for its dissolution or reorganization, or in the event of an action by a creditor against the licensee who is not a beneficiary of this statutory trust. No permissible investments impressed with a trust pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to attachment, levy of execution, or sequestration by order of any court, except for a beneficiary of this statutory trust. (d) Upon the establishment of a statutory trust in accordance with subsection (c) or when any funds are drawn on a letter of credit pursuant to paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Section 10-4, the Secretary shall notify the applicable regulator of each state in which the licensee is licensed to engage in money transmission, if any, of the establishment of the trust or the funds drawn on the letter of credit, as applicable. Notice shall be deemed satisfied if performed pursuant to a multistate agreement or through NMLS. Funds drawn on a letter of credit, and any other permissible investments held in trust for the benefit of the purchasers and holders of the licensee's outstanding money transmission obligations, are deemed held in trust for the benefit of such purchasers and holders on a pro rata and equitable basis in accordance with statutes pursuant to which permissible investments are required to be held in this State, and other states, as applicable. Any statutory trust established hereunder shall be terminated upon extinguishment of all of the licensee's outstanding money transmission obligations. (e) The Secretary by rule or by order may allow other types of investments that the Secretary determines are of sufficient liquidity and quality to be a permissible investment. The Secretary is authorized to participate in efforts with other state regulators to determine that other types of investments are of sufficient liquidity and quality to be a permissible investment.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/10-4) Sec. 10-4. Types of permissible investments. (a) The following investments are permissible under Section 10-3: (1) Cash, including demand deposits, savings | ||
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(2) certificates of deposit or senior debt | ||
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(3) an obligation of the United States or a | ||
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(4) the full drawable amount of an irrevocable | ||
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(A) The letter of credit must: (i) be issued by an insured depository | ||
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(ii) be irrevocable, unconditional, and | ||
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(iii) not contain reference to any other | ||
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(iv) contain an issue date and expiration | ||
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(B) In the event of any notice of expiration or | ||
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(C) The letter of credit shall provide that the | ||
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(i) the original letter of credit (including | ||
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(ii) a written statement from the beneficiary | ||
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(I) the filing of a petition by or | ||
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(II) the filing of a petition by or | ||
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(III) the seizure of assets of a licensee | ||
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(IV) the beneficiary has received notice | ||
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(D) The Secretary may designate an agent to serve | ||
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(E) The Secretary is authorized and encouraged to | ||
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(5) 100% of the surety bond or deposit provided for | ||
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(b) Unless permitted by the Secretary by rule or by order to exceed the limit as set forth herein, the following investments are permissible under Section 10-3 to the extent specified: (1) receivables that are payable to a licensee from | ||
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(2) of the receivables permissible under paragraph | ||
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(3) the following investments are permissible up to | ||
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(A) a short-term, of up to 6 months, investment | ||
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(B) commercial paper bearing an eligible rating; (C) a bill, note, bond, or debenture bearing an | ||
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(D) U.S. tri-party repurchase agreements | ||
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(E) money market mutual funds rated less than | ||
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(F) a mutual fund or other investment fund | ||
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(4) cash, including demand deposits, savings | ||
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(A) has an eligible rating; (B) is registered under the Foreign Account Tax | ||
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(C) is not located in any country subject to | ||
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(D) is not located in a high-risk or | ||
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(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. XI heading)
ARTICLE XI. Enforcement
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/11-1)
Sec. 11-1. Prohibited acts and practices for licensees. It is a violation of this Act for a licensee, or other person subject to this Act to: (1) directly or indirectly employ any scheme, device, | ||
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(2) directly or indirectly engage in any unfair or | ||
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(3) directly or indirectly obtain property by fraud | ||
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(4) knowingly make, publish, or disseminate any | ||
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(5) knowingly receive or take possession for personal | ||
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(6) make or concur in making any false entry, or omit | ||
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(7) knowingly make or publish to the Director or the | ||
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(8) fail to make any report or statement lawfully | ||
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(9) demonstrate by course of conduct, negligence or | ||
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(10) engage in unsafe and unsound practices directly | ||
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(11) fail to comply with the provisions of this Act | ||
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(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/11-2)
Sec. 11-2. Suspension and revocation of licenses. (a) The Secretary may issue an order to suspend or revoke a license of a licensee or order a licensee to revoke the designation of an authorized delegate if: (1) the licensee has failed to comply with any | ||
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(2) the licensee does not cooperate with an | ||
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(3) the licensee engages in fraud, intentional | ||
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(4) an authorized delegate is convicted of a | ||
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(5) the competence, experience, character, or general | ||
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(6) the licensee engages in an unsafe or unsound | ||
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(7) the licensee is insolvent, suspends payment of | ||
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(8) the licensee does not remove an authorized | ||
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(9) a fact or condition exists that, if it had | ||
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(10) the licensee knowingly fails to make a report | ||
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(11) the licensee fails to pay a judgment entered in | ||
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(12) the licensee has been convicted under the laws | ||
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(13) the licensee violates the Illinois Uniform | ||
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(b) In determining whether a licensee is engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice, the Secretary may consider the size and condition of the licensee's money transmission, the magnitude of the loss, the gravity of the violation of this Act, and the previous conduct of the person involved. (c) In every case in which a license is suspended or revoked, the Secretary shall issue a formal written notice of the suspension or revocation, setting forth the specific reasons for the suspension or revocation of the license and serve the licensee, either personally or by certified mail. Service by certified mail shall be deemed completed when the notice is deposited into U.S. Mail and the order of suspension or revocation of a license shall take effect upon service of the order. (d) A licensee whose license has been suspended or revoked by the Secretary under this Section may request a hearing, in writing, within 10 days after the date of service. If a licensee submits a timely request for a hearing, the order shall be stayed until a final administrative order is entered and the Secretary shall schedule a hearing unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. (e) The Secretary shall conduct hearings pursuant to this Section and in accordance with 38 Ill. Adm. Code 100, as amended or recodified from time to time.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/11-3)
Sec. 11-3. Suspension and revocation of authorized delegates. (a) The Secretary may issue an order to suspend or revoke the designation of an authorized delegate, if the Secretary finds that: (1) the authorized delegate has failed to comply with | ||
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(2) the authorized delegate does not cooperate with | ||
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(3) the authorized delegate engages in fraud, | ||
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(4) the authorized delegate is convicted of a | ||
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(5) the competence, experience, character, or general | ||
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(6) the authorized delegate engages in an unsafe or | ||
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(b) In determining whether an authorized delegate is engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice, the Secretary may consider the size and condition of the authorized delegate's provision of money transmission, the magnitude of the loss, the gravity of the violation of this Act or a rule adopted or order issued under this Act, and the previous conduct of the authorized delegate. (c) In every case in which the designation of an authorized delegate is suspended or revoked, the Secretary shall issue a formal written notice of the suspension or revocation, setting forth the specific reasons for the suspension or revocation of the designation and serve the authorized delegate, either personally or by certified mail. Service by certified mail shall be deemed completed when the notice is deposited into U.S. Mail and the order of suspension or revocation of a license shall take effect upon service of the order. (d) An authorized delegate whose designation has been suspended or revoked by the Secretary under this Section may request a hearing, in writing, within 10 days after the date of service. If an authorized delegate submits a timely request for a hearing, the order shall be stayed until a final administrative order is entered and the Secretary shall schedule a hearing unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. (e) The Secretary shall conduct hearings pursuant to this Section and in accordance with 38 Ill. Adm. Code 100, as amended or recodified from time to time.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/11-4)
Sec. 11-4. Orders to cease and desist and civil penalties. (a) If the Secretary determines that a licensee, an authorized delegate, or any other person has engaged or is engaged in practices contrary to this Act, the rules adopted under this Act, or an order issued under this Act, the Secretary may issue an order requiring the licensee or authorized delegate to cease and desist from the violation. The order becomes effective upon service of it upon the licensee or authorized delegate. (b) The Secretary may issue an order against a licensee to cease and desist from providing money transmission through an authorized delegate that is the subject of a separate order by the Secretary. (c) The Secretary may, in addition to or without the issuance of a cease and desist order, assess a penalty up to $1,000 against a licensee or other person for each violation of this Act, the rules adopted under this Act, or an order issued under this Act as set forth in Section 11-6. The issuance of an order under this Section shall not be a prerequisite to the taking of any action by the Secretary under this or any other Section of this Act. (d) The Secretary shall issue a formal written notice of the cease and desist order, setting forth the specific reasons for the order and serve the licensee or the authorized delegate, either personally or by certified mail. Service by certified mail shall be deemed completed when the notice is deposited in the U.S. Mail.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/11-5)
Sec. 11-5. Consent orders; settlements. (a) The Secretary may enter into a consent order or settlement agreement at any time with a person to resolve a matter arising under this Act, the rules adopted under this Act, or order issued under this Act. A consent order or settlement agreement must be signed by the person to whom it is issued or by the person's authorized representative, and must indicate agreement with the terms contained in the order. A consent order or settlement agreement may provide that it does not constitute an admission by a person that this Act or a rule adopted or an order issued under this Act has been violated. (b) Notwithstanding the issuance of a consent order or settlement agreement, the Secretary may seek civil or criminal penalties or compromise civil penalties concerning matter encompassed by the consent order unless the consent order by its terms expressly precludes the Secretary from doing so. (c) The Secretary is authorized to compromise, settle, and collect civil penalties and administrative penalties, as set by rule, with any person for violations of this Act or of any rule or order issued or adopted under this Act.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/11-6)
Sec. 11-6. Criminal penalties. A person who engages in conduct requiring a license under this Act and fails to obtain a license from the Secretary or knowingly makes a false statement, misrepresentation, or false certification in an application, financial statement, account record, report, or other document filed or required to be maintained or filed under this Act or who knowingly makes a false entry or omits a material entry in a document is guilty of a Class 3 felony.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/11-7)
Sec. 11-7. Civil penalties. The Secretary may assess a civil penalty against a person that violates this Act, a rule adopted or an order issued under this Act in an amount not to exceed $1,000 per day for each day the violation is outstanding, plus this State's costs and expenses for the investigation and prosecution of the matter, including reasonable attorney's fees. Each transaction in violation of this Act or the rules adopted under this Act or issued under this Act, for each day that a violation continues shall be a separate offense.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/11-8)
Sec. 11-8. Unlicensed persons. Any person who, without the required license, engages in conduct requiring a license under this Act shall be liable to the Department in an amount equal to the greater of (1) $5,000 or (2) an amount of money accepted for transmission plus an amount equal to 3 times the amount accepted for transmission. The Department shall cause any funds so recovered to be deposited into the TOMA Consumer Protection Fund.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/11-9)
Sec. 11-9. Judicial review. All final administrative decisions of the Department under this Act are subject to judicial review under the Administrative Review Law and any rules adopted under the Administrative Review Law.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. XII heading)
ARTICLE XII. Miscellaneous Provisions
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/12-1)
Sec. 12-1. Uniformity of application and construction. In applying and construing this Act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/12-2)
Sec. 12-2. Severability. The provisions of this Act are severable under Section 1.31 of the Statute on Statutes.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/12-3)
Sec. 12-3. Transition period. (a) Licensees pursuant to the Transmitters of Money Act in good standing on the effective date of this Act shall be licensed under this Act upon the filing of and approval by the Department of a renewal application in accordance with Section 5-6 and may continue to operate lawfully as a licensee in this State unless and until their next renewal application after the effective date is denied by the Department. An authorized seller of licensee pursuant to the Transmitters of Money Act in good standing as of the effective date shall become an authorized delegate of a licensee upon the filing of and approval by the Department of a renewal application by the licensee in accordance with Section 5-6 and may continue to operate lawfully in this State as an authorized delegate of a licensee unless and until the licensee's next renewal application after the effective date is denied by the Department. (b) A person licensed in this State to engage in the business of money transmission and their authorized sellers shall not be subject to the provisions of this Act, to the extent that they conflict with the Transmitters of Money Act or establish new requirements not imposed under the Transmitters of Money Act, until the licensee renews its current license or for 6 months after the effective date of this Act, whichever is later, so long as they comply with the Transmitters of Money Act and its implementing rules. (c) Notwithstanding subsection (a), a licensee shall only be required to amend its authorized delegate contracts for contracts entered into or amended after the effective date of this Act or the completion of any transition period contemplated under subsection (b). Nothing herein shall be construed as limiting an authorized delegate's obligations to operate in full compliance with this Act as required by subsection (c) of Section 8-1 after the time period set forth in subsection (b). (d) A person not required to be licensed pursuant to the Transmitters of Money Act shall not be required to be licensed and comply with this Act until January 1, 2026, unless the Secretary extends the time by rule. (e) A provider of payroll processing services that was not licensed pursuant to the Transmitters of Money Act on the effective date of this Act and transmitted no more than $50,000,000 in this State in calendar year 2023 shall not be required to be licensed and comply with this Act until January 1, 2025. A provider of payroll processing services that was not licensed pursuant to the Transmitters of Money Act on the effective date of this Act and transmitted no more than $50,000,000 in this State in calendar year 2023 shall not be penalized for providing such services before January 1, 2025 if the provider submits a completed application for licensure prior to January 1, 2025. (f) Except as otherwise stated, this Act supersedes the Transmitters of Money Act.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/12-4)
Sec. 12-4. TOMA Consumer Protection Fund. (a) The special income-earning fund in the State treasury is known as the TOMA Consumer Protection Fund. (b) All moneys paid into the fund together with all accumulated undistributed income thereon shall be held as a special fund in the State treasury. The fund shall be used solely for the purpose of providing restitution to consumers who have suffered monetary loss arising out of a transaction regulated by this Act. (c) The fund shall be applied only to restitution when restitution has been ordered by the Secretary. Restitution shall not exceed the amount actually lost by the consumer. The fund shall not be used for the payment of any attorney or other fees. (d) The fund shall be subrogated to the amount of the restitution, and the Secretary shall request the Attorney General to engage in all reasonable collection steps to collect restitution from the party responsible for the loss and reimburse the fund. (e) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section, the payment of restitution from the fund shall be a matter of grace and not of right, and no consumer shall have any vested rights in the fund as a beneficiary or otherwise. Before seeking restitution from the fund, the consumer or beneficiary seeking payment of restitution shall apply for restitution on a form provided by the Secretary. The form shall include any information the Secretary may reasonably require in order to determine that restitution is appropriate. (f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, moneys in the TOMA Consumer Protection Fund may be transferred to the Professions Indirect Cost Fund, as authorized under Section 2105-300 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. 900 heading) ARTICLE 900. Amendatory Provisions (Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
205 ILCS 658/900-5 Section 900-5. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted). (Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24; text omitted.) |
(205 ILCS 658/900-30) Sec. 900-30. The Transmitters of Money Act is repealed.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/Art. 999 heading) ARTICLE 999. (Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/999-95)
Sec. 999-95. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other Public Act.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |
(205 ILCS 658/999-99)
Sec. 999-99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law, except that the changes to the Transmitters of Money Act take effect January 1, 2026.
(Source: P.A. 103-991, eff. 8-9-24.) |