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First Substitute H.B. 245
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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill modifies consumer protection provisions.
10 Highlighted Provisions:
11 This bill:
12 . defines terms;
13 . in a provision requiring excess funds in the Consumer Protection Education and
14 Training Fund to be transferred to the General Fund, increases the threshold from
15 $100,000 to $500,000;
16 . adds an act to the list of acts considered to be deceptive acts or practices for
17 purposes of the Consumer Sales Practices Act;
18 . provides for an increase in the amount of an unpaid fine under the Consumer Sales
19 Practices Act if the fine remains unpaid more than 60 days after a final order;
20 . relocates nonconformity language in the New Motor Vehicle Warranties Act
21 relating to recreational vehicle trailers;
22 . requires a health spa to provide a copy of its liability insurance policy;
23 . requires registered agents of telephone soliciting businesses to provide proof of
24 residency;
25 . allows the cost of a criminal background check to be included in the annual
26 registration fee for telephone soliciting businesses;
27 . requires certain participants in a telephone soliciting business to meet certain
28 requirements and to submit to a criminal background check;
29 . requires telephone soliciting businesses to correct information contained in an
30 application for registration or renewal of registration if the information materially
31 changes or becomes incorrect or incomplete;
32 . provides that each telephone solicitation made in violation of applicable provisions
33 is a separate violation;
34 . modifies what constitutes a prohibited practice for a telephone solicitor;
35 . modifies a provision relating to a pawnbroker's selling of an article pawned to the
36 pawnbroker;
37 . modifies provisions relating to information to be provided with respect to a property
38 disposition hearing under the Pawnshop and Secondhand Merchandise Transaction
39 Information Act;
40 . clarifies an exemption for a private, nonprofit educational institution under the
41 Postsecondary Propriety School Act;
42 . modifies the definition of "immigration consultant" under the Immigration
43 Consultant Registration Act;
44 . requires an annual registration and an annual registration fee for immigration
45 consultants;
46 . modifies bond requirements for immigration consultants;
47 . modifies the minimum amount of an administrative fine under the Immigration
48 Consultant Registration Act; and
49 . makes technical changes.
50 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
51 None
52 Other Special Clauses:
53 None
54 Utah Code Sections Affected:
55 AMENDS:
56 13-2-8, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 382
57 13-11-4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 152
58 13-11-17, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 55
59 13-20-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 77
60 13-20-8, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 77
61 13-22-9, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 183
62 13-23-5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 183
63 13-26-3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 183
64 13-26-8, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 18
65 13-26-11, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 18
66 13-32a-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 284
67 13-32a-109, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapters 284 and 369
68 13-32a-117, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 284
69 13-34-105, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 221
70 13-49-102, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 375
71 13-49-202, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 375
72 13-49-204, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 375
73 13-49-402, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 375
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75 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
76 Section 1. Section 13-2-8 is amended to read:
77 13-2-8. Consumer Protection Education and Training Fund.
78 (1) There is created a restricted special revenue fund known as the "Consumer
79 Protection Education and Training Fund."
80 (2) (a) Unless otherwise provided by a chapter listed in Section 13-2-1 , all money not
81 distributed as consumer restitution that is received by the division from administrative fines
82 and settlements, from criminal restitution, or from civil damages, forfeitures, penalties, and
83 settlements when the division receives the money on its own behalf and not in a representative
84 capacity, shall be deposited into the fund.
85 (b) Any portion of the fund may be maintained in an interest-bearing account.
86 (c) All interest earned on fund money shall be deposited into the fund.
87 (3) Notwithstanding Title 63J, Chapter 1, Budgetary Procedures Act, the division may
88 use the fund with the approval of the executive director of the Department of Commerce in a
89 manner consistent with the duties of the division under this chapter for:
90 (a) consumer protection education for members of the public;
91 (b) equipment for and training of division personnel;
92 (c) publication of consumer protection brochures, laws, policy statements, or other
93 material relevant to the division's enforcement efforts; and
94 (d) investigation and litigation undertaken by the division.
95 (4) If the balance in the fund exceeds [
96 year, the excess shall be transferred to the General Fund.
97 Section 2. Section 13-11-4 is amended to read:
98 13-11-4. Deceptive act or practice by supplier.
99 (1) A deceptive act or practice by a supplier in connection with a consumer transaction
100 violates this chapter whether it occurs before, during, or after the transaction.
101 (2) Without limiting the scope of Subsection (1), a supplier commits a deceptive act or
102 practice if the supplier knowingly or intentionally:
103 (a) indicates that the subject of a consumer transaction has sponsorship, approval,
104 performance characteristics, accessories, uses, or benefits, if it has not;
105 (b) indicates that the subject of a consumer transaction is of a particular standard,
106 quality, grade, style, or model, if it is not;
107 (c) indicates that the subject of a consumer transaction is new, or unused, if it is not, or
108 has been used to an extent that is materially different from the fact;
109 (d) indicates that the subject of a consumer transaction is available to the consumer for
110 a reason that does not exist, including any of the following reasons falsely used in an
111 advertisement:
112 (i) "going out of business";
113 (ii) "bankruptcy sale";
114 (iii) "lost our lease";
115 (iv) "building coming down";
116 (v) "forced out of business";
117 (vi) "final days";
118 (vii) "liquidation sale";
119 (viii) "fire sale";
120 (ix) "quitting business"; or
121 (x) an expression similar to any of the expressions in Subsections (2)(d)(i) through
122 (ix);
123 (e) indicates that the subject of a consumer transaction has been supplied in accordance
124 with a previous representation, if it has not;
125 (f) indicates that the subject of a consumer transaction will be supplied in greater
126 quantity than the supplier intends;
127 (g) indicates that replacement or repair is needed, if it is not;
128 (h) indicates that a specific price advantage exists, if it does not;
129 (i) indicates that the supplier has a sponsorship, approval, or affiliation the supplier
130 does not have;
131 (j) (i) indicates that a consumer transaction involves or does not involve a warranty, a
132 disclaimer of warranties, particular warranty terms, or other rights, remedies, or obligations, if
133 the representation is false; or
134 (ii) fails to honor a warranty or a particular warranty term;
135 (k) indicates that the consumer will receive a rebate, discount, or other benefit as an
136 inducement for entering into a consumer transaction in return for giving the supplier the names
137 of prospective consumers or otherwise helping the supplier to enter into other consumer
138 transactions, if receipt of the benefit is contingent on an event occurring after the consumer
139 enters into the transaction;
140 (l) after receipt of payment for goods or services, fails to ship the goods or furnish the
141 services within the time advertised or otherwise represented or, if no specific time is advertised
142 or represented, fails to ship the goods or furnish the services within 30 days, unless within the
143 applicable time period the supplier provides the buyer with the option to:
144 (i) cancel the sales agreement and receive a refund of all previous payments to the
145 supplier if the refund is mailed or delivered to the buyer within 10 business days after the day
146 on which the seller receives written notification from the buyer of the buyer's intent to cancel
147 the sales agreement and receive the refund; or
148 (ii) extend the shipping date to a specific date proposed by the supplier;
149 (m) except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), fails to furnish a notice meeting the
150 requirements of Subsection (3)(a) of the purchaser's right to cancel a direct solicitation sale
151 within three business days of the time of purchase if:
152 (i) the sale is made other than at the supplier's established place of business pursuant to
153 the supplier's personal contact, whether through mail, electronic mail, facsimile transmission,
154 telephone, or any other form of direct solicitation; and
155 (ii) the sale price exceeds $25;
156 (n) promotes, offers, or grants participation in a pyramid scheme as defined under Title
157 76, Chapter 6a, Pyramid Scheme Act;
158 (o) represents that the funds or property conveyed in response to a charitable
159 solicitation will be donated or used for a particular purpose or will be donated to or used by a
160 particular organization, if the representation is false;
161 (p) if a consumer indicates the consumer's intention of making a claim for a motor
162 vehicle repair against the consumer's motor vehicle insurance policy:
163 (i) commences the repair without first giving the consumer oral and written notice of:
164 (A) the total estimated cost of the repair; and
165 (B) the total dollar amount the consumer is responsible to pay for the repair, which
166 dollar amount may not exceed the applicable deductible or other copay arrangement in the
167 consumer's insurance policy; or
168 (ii) requests or collects from a consumer an amount that exceeds the dollar amount a
169 consumer was initially told the consumer was responsible to pay as an insurance deductible or
170 other copay arrangement for a motor vehicle repair under Subsection (2)(p)(i), even if that
171 amount is less than the full amount the motor vehicle insurance policy requires the insured to
172 pay as a deductible or other copay arrangement, unless:
173 (A) the consumer's insurance company denies that coverage exists for the repair, in
174 which case, the full amount of the repair may be charged and collected from the consumer; or
175 (B) the consumer misstates, before the repair is commenced, the amount of money the
176 insurance policy requires the consumer to pay as a deductible or other copay arrangement, in
177 which case, the supplier may charge and collect from the consumer an amount that does not
178 exceed the amount the insurance policy requires the consumer to pay as a deductible or other
179 copay arrangement;
180 (q) includes in any contract, receipt, or other written documentation of a consumer
181 transaction, or any addendum to any contract, receipt, or other written documentation of a
182 consumer transaction, any confession of judgment or any waiver of any of the rights to which a
183 consumer is entitled under this chapter;
184 (r) charges a consumer for a consumer transaction or a portion of a consumer
185 transaction that has not previously been agreed to by the consumer;
186 (s) solicits or enters into a consumer transaction with a person who lacks the mental
187 ability to comprehend the nature and consequences of:
188 (i) the consumer transaction; or
189 (ii) the person's ability to benefit from the consumer transaction;
190 (t) solicits for the sale of a product or service by providing a consumer with an
191 unsolicited check or negotiable instrument the presentment or negotiation of which obligates
192 the consumer to purchase a product or service, unless the supplier is:
193 (i) a depository institution under Section 7-1-103 ;
194 (ii) an affiliate of a depository institution; or
195 (iii) an entity regulated under Title 7, Financial Institutions Act;
196 (u) sends an unsolicited mailing to a person that appears to be a billing, statement, or
197 request for payment for a product or service the person has not ordered or used, or that implies
198 that the mailing requests payment for an ongoing product or service the person has not received
199 or requested;
200 (v) issues a gift certificate, instrument, or other record in exchange for payment to
201 provide the bearer, upon presentation, goods or services in a specified amount without printing
202 in a readable manner on the gift certificate, instrument, packaging, or record any expiration
203 date or information concerning a fee to be charged and deducted from the balance of the gift
204 certificate, instrument, or other record; [
205 (w) misrepresents the geographical origin or location of the supplier's business[
206 (x) fails to comply with the restrictions of Section 15-10-201 on automatic renewal
207 provisions.
208 (3) (a) The notice required by Subsection (2)(m) shall:
209 (i) be a conspicuous statement written in dark bold with at least 12-point type on the
210 first page of the purchase documentation; and
211 (ii) read as follows: "YOU, THE BUYER, MAY CANCEL THIS CONTRACT AT
212 ANY TIME PRIOR TO MIDNIGHT OF THE THIRD BUSINESS DAY (or time period
213 reflecting the supplier's cancellation policy but not less than three business days) AFTER THE
214 DATE OF THE TRANSACTION OR RECEIPT OF THE PRODUCT, WHICHEVER IS
215 LATER."[
216 (b) A supplier is exempt from the requirements of Subsection (2)(m) if the supplier's
217 cancellation policy:
218 (i) is communicated to the buyer; and
219 (ii) offers greater rights to the buyer than Subsection (2)(m).
220 (4) (a) A gift certificate, instrument, or other record that does not print an expiration
221 date in accordance with Subsection (2)(v) does not expire.
222 (b) A gift certificate, instrument, or other record that does not include printed
223 information concerning a fee to be charged and deducted from the balance of the gift
224 certificate, instrument, or other record is not subject to the charging and deduction of the fee.
225 (c) Subsections (2)(v) and (4)(b) do not apply to a gift certificate, instrument, or other
226 record useable at multiple, unaffiliated sellers of goods or services if an expiration date is
227 printed on the gift certificate, instrument, or other record.
228 Section 3. Section 13-11-17 is amended to read:
229 13-11-17. Actions by enforcing authority.
230 (1) The enforcing authority may bring an action:
231 (a) to obtain a declaratory judgment that an act or practice violates this chapter;
232 (b) to enjoin, in accordance with the principles of equity, a supplier who has violated,
233 is violating, or is otherwise likely to violate this chapter; and
234 (c) to recover, for each violation, actual damages, or obtain relief under Subsection
235 (2)(b), on behalf of consumers who complained to the enforcing authority within a reasonable
236 time after it instituted proceedings under this chapter.
237 (2) (a) The enforcing authority may bring a class action on behalf of consumers for the
238 actual damages caused by an act or practice specified as violating this chapter in a rule adopted
239 by the enforcing authority under Subsection 13-11-8 (2) before the consumer transactions on
240 which the action is based, or declared to violate Section 13-11-4 or 13-11-5 by final judgment
241 of courts of general jurisdiction and appellate courts of this state that was either reported
242 officially or made available for public dissemination under Subsection 13-11-7 (1)(c) by the
243 enforcing authority 10 days before the consumer transactions on which the action is based, or,
244 with respect to a supplier who agreed to it, was prohibited specifically by the terms of a consent
245 judgment that became final before the consumer transactions on which the action is based.
246 (b) (i) On motion of the enforcing authority and without bond in an action under this
247 Subsection (2), the court may make appropriate orders, including appointment of a master or
248 receiver or sequestration of assets, but only if it appears that the defendant is threatening or is
249 about to remove, conceal, or dispose of the defendant's property to the damage of persons for
250 whom relief is requested. An appropriate order may include an order:
251 (A) to reimburse consumers found to have been damaged;
252 (B) to carry out a transaction in accordance with consumers' reasonable expectations;
253 (C) to strike or limit the application of unconscionable clauses of contracts to avoid an
254 unconscionable result; or
255 (D) to grant other appropriate relief.
256 (ii) The court may assess the expenses of a master or receiver against a supplier.
257 (c) If an act or practice that violates this chapter unjustly enriches a supplier and
258 damages can be computed with reasonable certainty, damages recoverable on behalf of
259 consumers who cannot be located with due diligence shall be transferred to the state treasurer
260 pursuant to Title 67, Chapter 4a, Unclaimed Property Act.
261 (d) If a supplier shows by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation of this
262 chapter resulted from a bona fide error notwithstanding the maintenance of procedures
263 reasonably adapted to avoid the error, recovery under this Subsection (2) is limited to the
264 amount, if any, by which the supplier was unjustly enriched by the violation.
265 (e) An action may not be brought by the enforcing authority under this Subsection (2)
266 more than two years after the occurrence of a violation of this chapter.
267 (3) (a) The enforcing authority may terminate an investigation or an action other than a
268 class action upon acceptance of the supplier's written assurance of voluntary compliance with
269 this chapter. Acceptance of an assurance may be conditioned on a commitment to reimburse
270 consumers or take other appropriate corrective action.
271 (b) An assurance is not evidence of a prior violation of this chapter. Unless an
272 assurance has been rescinded by agreement of the parties or voided by a court for good cause,
273 subsequent failure to comply with the terms of an assurance is prima facie evidence of a
274 violation.
275 (4) (a) In addition to other penalties and remedies set out under this chapter, and in
276 addition to its other enforcement powers under Title 13, Chapter 2, Division of Consumer
277 Protection, the division director may issue a cease and desist order and impose an
278 administrative fine of up to $2,500 for each violation of this chapter.
279 (b) All money received through administrative fines imposed under this section shall
280 be deposited in the Consumer Protection Education and Training Fund created by Section
281 13-2-8 .
282 (5) (a) Within 30 days after agency or judicial review of a final division order imposing
283 an administrative fine, the supplier on whom the fine is imposed shall pay the fine in full.
284 (b) The unpaid amount of a fine is increased by 10%:
285 (i) if the fine has not been paid in full within 60 days after the final division order
286 imposing the fine; and
287 (ii) unless the division waives the 10% increase in a stipulated payment plan.
288 Section 4. Section 13-20-2 is amended to read:
289 13-20-2. Definitions.
290 As used in this chapter:
291 (1) "Consumer" means an individual who enters into an agreement or contract for the
292 transfer, lease, purchase of a new motor vehicle other than for purposes of resale, or sublease
293 during the duration of the period defined under Section 13-20-5 .
294 (2) "Manufacturer" means manufacturer, importer, distributor, or anyone who is named
295 as the warrantor on an express written warranty on a motor vehicle.
296 (3) "Motor home" means a self-propelled vehicular unit, primarily designed as a
297 temporary dwelling for travel, recreational, and vacation use.
298 (4) (a) "Motor vehicle" includes:
299 (i) a motor home, as defined in this section, but only the self-propelled vehicle and
300 chassis sold in this state;
301 (ii) a motor vehicle, as defined in Section 41-1a-102 , sold in this state; and
302 (iii) a motorcycle, as defined in Section 41-1a-102 , sold in this state if the motorcycle
303 is designed primarily for use and operation on paved highways.
304 (b) "Motor vehicle" does not include:
305 (i) those portions of a motor home designated, used, or maintained primarily as a
306 mobile dwelling, office, or commercial space;
307 (ii) a road tractor or truck tractor as defined in Section 41-1a-102 ;
308 (iii) a mobile home as defined in Section 41-1a-102 ;
309 (iv) any motor vehicle with a gross laden weight of over 12,000 pounds, except:
310 (A) a motor home as defined under Subsection (3); and
311 (B) a farm tractor as defined in Section 41-1a-102 ;
312 (v) a motorcycle, as defined in Section 41-1a-102 , if the motorcycle is designed
313 primarily for use or operation over unimproved terrain;
314 (vi) an electric assisted bicycle as defined in Section 41-6a-102 ;
315 (vii) a moped as defined in Section 41-6a-102 ;
316 (viii) a motor assisted scooter as defined in Section 41-6a-102 ; or
317 (ix) a motor-driven cycle as defined in Section 41-6a-102 .
318 [
319 [
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322 [
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324
325 [
326 wheel trailer.
327 Section 5. Section 13-20-8 is amended to read:
328 13-20-8. Mediation concerning nonconformity in recreational vehicle trailer.
329 (1) An owner who purchases a new recreational vehicle trailer and the manufacturer of
330 the recreational vehicle trailer shall engage in mediation concerning resolution of a
331 nonconformity in the recreational vehicle trailer, as provided in this section, if:
332 (a) the owner notifies the manufacturer in writing of the nonconformity;
333 (b) the nonconformity is manifest in the structural or functional integrity of the roof,
334 subfloor, or wall of the recreational vehicle trailer;
335 (c) following notification under Subsection (1)(a), the manufacturer makes at least four
336 attempts to correct the nonconformity, but the nonconformity persists; [
337 (d) following at least four attempts by the manufacturer to correct the nonconformity,
338 the owner submits to the manufacturer a written request for mediation[
339 (e) the nonconformity substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the recreational
340 vehicle trailer; and
341 (f) the nonconformity does not include a defect or condition that occurs as a result of:
342 (i) the use of the recreational vehicle trailer for business or commercial purposes; or
343 (ii) abuse, neglect, modification, or alteration of the recreational vehicle trailer by a
344 person other than the manufacturer or the manufacturer's authorized service agent.
345 (2) Mediation under this section shall:
346 (a) take place in the county in which the owner purchased the recreational vehicle
347 trailer; and
348 (b) be conducted by the Consumer Arbitration Program for Recreation Vehicles.
349 (3) The manufacturer of the recreational vehicle trailer shall pay the cost of mediation.
350 (4) The failure of mediation to resolve an owner's concerns about an alleged
351 nonconformity in the owner's recreational vehicle trailer does not impair or affect any right or
352 remedy the owner otherwise has under the law.
353 Section 6. Section 13-22-9 is amended to read:
354 13-22-9. Professional fund raiser's or fund raising counsel's or consultant's
355 permit.
356 (1) It is unlawful for any person or entity to act as a professional fund raiser or
357 professional fund raising counsel or consultant, whether or not representing an organization
358 exempt from registration under Section 13-22-8 , without first obtaining a permit from the
359 division by complying with all of the following application requirements:
360 (a) pay an application fee as determined under Section 63J-1-504 ; and
361 (b) submit a written application, verified under oath, on a form approved by the
362 division that includes:
363 (i) the applicant's name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, if any;
364 (ii) the name and address of any organization or person controlled by, controlling, or
365 affiliated with the applicant;
366 (iii) the applicant's business, occupation, or employment for the three-year period
367 immediately preceding the date of the application;
368 (iv) whether it is an individual, joint venture, partnership, limited liability company,
369 corporation, association, or other entity;
370 (v) the names and residence addresses of any officer or director of the applicant;
371 (vi) the name and address of the registered agent for service of process and a consent to
372 service of process;
373 (vii) if a professional fund raiser:
374 (A) the purpose of the solicitation and use of the contributions to be solicited;
375 (B) the method by which the solicitation will be conducted and the projected length of
376 time it is to be conducted;
377 (C) the anticipated expenses of the solicitation, including all commissions, costs of
378 collection, salaries, and any other items;
379 (D) a statement of what percentage of the contributions collected as a result of the
380 solicitation are projected to remain available to the charitable organization declared in the
381 application, including a satisfactory statement of the factual basis for the projected percentage
382 and projected anticipated revenues provided to the charitable organization, and if a flat fee is
383 charged, documentation to support the reasonableness of the flat fee; and
384 (E) a statement of total contributions collected or received by the professional fund
385 raiser within the calendar year immediately preceding the date of the application, including a
386 description of the expenditures made from or the use made of the contributions;
387 (viii) if a professional fund raising counsel or consultant:
388 (A) the purpose of the plan, management, [
389 materials for, or respect to the solicitation and use of the contributions solicited;
390 (B) the method by which the plan, management, [
391 preparation of materials for, or respect to the solicitation will be organized or coordinated and
392 the projected length of time of the solicitation;
393 (C) the anticipated expenses of the plan, management, [
394 preparation of materials for, or respect to the solicitation, including all commissions, costs of
395 collection, salaries, and any other items;
396 (D) a statement of total fees to be earned or received from the charitable organization
397 declared in the application, and what percentage of the contributions collected as a result of the
398 plan, management, [
399 solicitation are projected after deducting the total fees to be earned or received remain available
400 to the charitable organization declared in the application, including a satisfactory statement of
401 the factual basis for the projected percentage and projected anticipated revenues provided to the
402 charitable organization, and if a flat fee is charged, documentation to support the
403 reasonableness of such flat fee; and
404 (E) a statement of total net fees earned or received within the calendar year
405 immediately preceding the date of the application, including a description of the expenditures
406 made from or the use of the net earned or received fees in the planning, management, advising,
407 counseling, or preparation of materials for, or respect to the solicitation and use of the
408 contributions solicited for the charitable organization;
409 (ix) disclosure of any injunction, judgment, or administrative order against the
410 applicant or the applicant's conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude;
411 (x) a copy of any written agreements with any charitable organization;
412 (xi) the disclosure of any injunction, judgment, or administrative order or conviction of
413 any crime involving moral turpitude with respect to any officer, director, manager, operator, or
414 principal of the applicant;
415 (xii) a copy of all agreements to which the applicant is, or proposes to be, a party
416 regarding the use of proceeds;
417 (xiii) an acknowledgment that fund raising in the state will not commence until both
418 the professional fund raiser or professional fund raising counsel or consultant and the charity,
419 and its parent foundation, if any, are registered and in compliance with this chapter; and
420 (xiv) any additional information the division may require by rule.
421 (2) If any information contained in the application for a permit becomes incorrect or
422 incomplete, the applicant or registrant shall, within 30 days after the information becomes
423 incorrect or incomplete, correct the application or file the complete information required by the
424 division.
425 (3) In addition to the permit fee, an applicant failing to file a permit application or
426 renewal by the due date or filing an incomplete permit application or renewal shall pay an
427 additional fee of $25 for each month or part of a month after the date on which the permit
428 application or renewal were due to be filed.
429 Section 7. Section 13-23-5 is amended to read:
430 13-23-5. Registration -- Bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit required --
431 Penalties.
432 (1) (a) (i) It is unlawful for any health spa facility to operate in this state unless the
433 facility is registered with the division.
434 (ii) Registration is effective for one year. If the health spa facility renews its
435 registration, the registration shall be renewed at least 30 days prior to its expiration.
436 (iii) The division shall provide by rule for the form, content, application process, and
437 renewal process of the registration.
438 (b) Each health spa registering in this state shall designate a registered agent for
439 receiving service of process. The registered agent shall be reasonably available from 8 a.m.
440 until 5 p.m. during normal working days.
441 (c) The division shall charge and collect a fee for registration under guidelines
442 provided in Section 63J-1-504 .
443 (d) If an applicant fails to file a registration application or renewal by the due date, or
444 files an incomplete registration application or renewal, the applicant shall pay a fee of $25 for
445 each month or part of a month after the date on which the registration application or renewal
446 were due to be filed, in addition to the registration fee described in Subsection (1)(c).
447 (e) A health spa registering or renewing a registration shall provide the division a copy
448 of the liability insurance policy that:
449 (i) covers the health spa; and
450 (ii) is in effect at the time of the registration or renewal.
451 (2) (a) Each health spa shall obtain and maintain:
452 (i) a performance bond issued by a surety authorized to transact surety business in this
453 state;
454 (ii) an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a financial institution authorized to do
455 business in this state; or
456 (iii) a certificate of deposit.
457 (b) The bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit shall be payable to the division
458 for the benefit of any consumer who incurs damages as the result of:
459 (i) the health spa's violation of this chapter; or
460 (ii) the health spa's going out of business or relocating and failing to offer an alternate
461 location within five miles.
462 (c) (i) The division may recover from the bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit
463 the costs of collecting and distributing funds under this section, up to 10% of the face value of
464 the bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit but only if the consumers have fully recovered
465 their damages first.
466 (ii) The total liability of the issuer of the bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit
467 may not exceed the amount of the bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit.
468 (iii) The health spa shall maintain a bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit in
469 force for one year after it notifies the division in writing that it has ceased all activities
470 regulated by this chapter.
471 (d) A health spa providing services at more than one location shall comply with the
472 requirements of Subsection (2)(a) for each separate location.
473 (e) The division may impose a fine against a health spa that fails to comply with the
474 requirements of Subsection (2)(a) of up to $100 per day that the health spa remains out of
475 compliance. All penalties received shall be deposited into the Consumer Protection Education
476 and Training Fund created in Section 13-2-8 .
477 (3) (a) The minimum principal amount of the bond, letter of credit, or certificate of
478 credit required under Subsection (2) shall be based on the number of unexpired contracts for
479 health spa services to which the health spa is a party, in accordance with the following
480 schedule:
481 |
Principal Amount of Bond, Letter of Credit, or Certificate of Deposit |
Number of Contracts | ||
482 | $15,000 | 500 or fewer | ||
483 | 35,000 | 501 to 1,500 | ||
484 | 50,000 | 1,500 to 3,000 | ||
485 | 75,000 | 3,001 or more |
487 Subsection (3)(a) with respect to all of the health spa's unexpired contracts for health spa
488 services, regardless of whether a portion of those contracts [
489 Section 13-23-6 .
490 (4) Each health spa shall obtain the bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit and
491 furnish a certified copy of the bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit to the division prior
492 to selling, offering or attempting to sell, soliciting the sale of, or becoming a party to any
493 contract to provide health spa services. A health spa is considered to be in compliance with
494 this section only if the proof provided to the division shows that the bond, letter of credit, or
495 certificate of credit is current.
496 (5) Each health spa shall:
497 (a) maintain accurate records of the bond, letter of credit, or certificate of credit and of
498 any payments made, due, or to become due to the issuer; and
499 (b) open the records to inspection by the division at any time during normal business
500 hours.
501 (6) If a health spa changes ownership, ceases operation, discontinues facilities, or
502 relocates and fails to offer an alternate location within five miles within 30 days after its
503 closing, the health spa is subject to the requirements of this section as if it were a new health
504 spa coming into being at the time the health spa changed ownership. The former owner may
505 not release, cancel, or terminate the owner's liability under any bond, letter of credit, or
506 certificate of deposit previously filed with the division, unless:
507 (a) the new owner has filed a new bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit for the
508 benefit of consumers covered under the previous owner's bond, letter of credit, or certificate of
509 deposit; or
510 (b) the former owner has refunded all unearned payments to consumers.
511 (7) If a health spa ceases operation or relocates and fails to offer an alternative location
512 within five miles, the health spa shall provide the division with 45 days prior notice.
513 Section 8. Section 13-26-3 is amended to read:
514 13-26-3. Registration and bond required.
515 (1) (a) Unless exempt under Section 13-26-4 , each telephone soliciting business shall
516 register annually with the division before engaging in telephone solicitations if:
517 (i) the telephone soliciting business engages in telephone solicitations that:
518 (A) originate in Utah; or
519 (B) are received in Utah; or
520 (ii) the telephone soliciting business conducts any business operations in Utah.
521 (b) The registration form shall designate an agent residing in this state who is
522 authorized by the telephone soliciting business to receive service of process in any action
523 brought by this state or a resident of this state.
524 (c) If a telephone soliciting business fails to designate an agent to receive service or
525 fails to appoint a successor to the agent:
526 (i) the business' application for an initial or renewal registration shall be denied; and
527 (ii) any current registration shall be suspended until an agent is designated.
528 (d) (i) For purposes of this section only, the registered agent of a telephone soliciting
529 business shall provide the division proof of residency in the state.
530 (ii) Proof of residency under Subsection (1)(d)(i) may be provided by a valid Utah
531 driver license, valid governmental photo identification issued to a resident of the state, or other
532 verifiable identification indicating residency in the state.
533 (2) The division may impose an annual registration fee set pursuant to Section
534 63J-1-504 that may include the cost of the criminal background check described in Subsection
535 (4).
536 (3) (a) Each telephone soliciting business engaging in telephone solicitation or sales in
537 this state shall obtain and maintain the following security:
538 (i) a performance bond issued by a surety authorized to transact surety business in this
539 state;
540 (ii) an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a financial institution authorized to do
541 business in this state; or
542 (iii) a certificate of deposit held in this state in a depository institution regulated by the
543 Department of Financial Institutions.
544 (b) The bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit shall be payable to the division
545 for the benefit of any consumer who incurs damages as the result of any telephone solicitation
546 or sales violation of this chapter.
547 (c) The division may recover from the bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit
548 investigative costs, attorney fees, and other costs of collecting and distributing funds under this
549 section and the costs of promoting consumer education, but only if the consumer has first
550 recovered full damages.
551 (d) A telephone soliciting business shall keep a bond, certificate of deposit, or letter of
552 credit in force for one year after it notifies the division in writing that it has ceased all activities
553 regulated by this chapter.
554 (e) The amount to be posted in the form of a bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or
555 certificate of deposit shall be:
556 (i) $25,000 if:
557 (A) neither the telephone soliciting business nor any affiliated person has violated this
558 chapter within three years preceding the date of the application; and
559 (B) the telephone soliciting business has fewer than 10 employees;
560 (ii) $50,000 if:
561 (A) neither the telephone soliciting business nor any affiliated person has violated this
562 chapter within three years preceding the date of the application; and
563 (B) the telephone soliciting business has 10 or more employees; or
564 (iii) $75,000 if the telephone soliciting business or any affiliated person has violated
565 this chapter within three years preceding the date of the application.
566 (f) For purposes of Subsection (3)(e) an "affiliated person" means a contractor,
567 director, employee, officer, owner, or partner of the telephone soliciting business.
568 (4) (a) As used in this Subsection (4), "participant" means an individual with a
569 controlling interest in or an owner, officer, director, member, principal, trustee, general partner,
570 limited partner, manager, sole proprietor, or key employee of a person seeking to register or
571 renew a registration as a telephone soliciting business.
572 (b) As part of the process to register or renew a registration as a telephone soliciting
573 business, a participant:
574 (i) shall have good moral character;
575 (ii) may not, within the previous 10 years, have been convicted of a felony;
576 (iii) may not, within the previous 10 years, have been convicted of a misdemeanor
577 involving moral turpitude, including theft, fraud, or dishonesty; and
578 (iv) shall submit to the division:
579 (A) the participant's fingerprints, in a form acceptable to the division, for purposes of a
580 criminal background check; and
581 (B) consent to a criminal background check by the Bureau of Criminal Identification
582 created in Section 53-10-201 .
583 [
584 soliciting businesses under the terms of Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking
585 Act. An administrative proceeding conducted by the division under this chapter shall comply
586 with the requirements of Title 63G, Chapter 4, Administrative Procedures Act.
587 (6) If information in an application for registration or for renewal of registration as a
588 telephone soliciting business materially changes or becomes incorrect or incomplete, the
589 applicant shall, within 30 days after the information changes or becomes incorrect or
590 incomplete, correct the application or submit the correct information to the division in a
591 manner that the division establishes by rule.
592 [
593 any violation of this chapter.
594 Section 9. Section 13-26-8 is amended to read:
595 13-26-8. Penalties.
596 (1) (a) Any telephone soliciting business or any person associated with a telephone
597 soliciting business, including solicitors, salespersons, agents, representatives of a solicitor, or
598 independent contractor, who violates this chapter as a first offense is guilty of a class B
599 misdemeanor.
600 (b) In the case of a second offense, the person is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
601 (c) In the case of three or more offenses, the person is guilty of a third degree felony.
602 (d) (i) In addition to other penalties under this Subsection (1), the division director may
603 issue a cease and desist order and impose an administrative fine of up to $2,500 for each
604 violation of this chapter.
605 (ii) For purposes of Subsection (1)(d)(i), each telephone solicitation made in violation
606 of this chapter is a separate violation.
607 (iii) All money received through administrative fines imposed under this section shall
608 be deposited in the Consumer Protection Education and Training Fund created by Section
609 13-2-8 .
610 (2) Any telephone soliciting business or any person associated with a telephone
611 soliciting business, including solicitors, salespersons, agents, representatives of a solicitor, or
612 independent contractors, who violates any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a civil
613 penalty in a court of competent jurisdiction not exceeding $2,500 for each unlawful transaction.
614 Section 10. Section 13-26-11 is amended to read:
615 13-26-11. Prohibited practices.
616 (1) It is unlawful for any solicitor:
617 (a) to solicit a prospective [
618 business that is not registered with the division or exempt from registration under this chapter;
619 (b) to use a fictitious personal name in connection with a telephone solicitation;
620 (c) to make or cause to be made any untrue material statement, or fail to disclose a
621 material fact necessary to make any statement made not misleading, whether in connection
622 with a telephone solicitation or a filing with the division;
623 (d) to make or authorize the making of any misrepresentation about its compliance
624 with this chapter to any prospective or actual purchaser;
625 (e) to fail to refund within 30 days any amount due a purchaser who exercises the right
626 to cancel under Section 13-26-5 ; or
627 (f) to fail to orally advise a purchaser of the purchaser's right to cancel under Section
628 13-26-5 unless the solicitor is exempt under Section 13-26-4 .
629 (2) It is unlawful for any telephone soliciting business:
630 (a) to cause or permit any solicitor to violate any provision of this chapter; or
631 (b) to use inmates in telephone soliciting operations where inmates have access to
632 personal data about an individual sufficient to physically locate or contact that individual, such
633 as names, addresses, telephone numbers, Social Security numbers, credit card information, or
634 physical descriptions.
635 Section 11. Section 13-32a-102 is amended to read:
636 13-32a-102. Definitions.
637 As used in this chapter:
638 (1) "Account" means the Pawnbroker and Secondhand Merchandise Operations
639 Restricted Account created in Section 13-32a-113 .
640 (2) "Antique item" means an item:
641 (a) that is generally older than 25 years;
642 (b) whose value is based on age, rarity, condition, craftsmanship, or collectability;
643 (c) that is furniture or other decorative objects produced in a previous time period, as
644 distinguished from new items of a similar nature; and
645 (d) obtained from auctions, estate sales, other antique shops, and individuals.
646 (3) "Antique shop" means a business operating at an established location and that
647 offers for sale antique items.
648 (4) "Board" means the Pawnshop and Secondhand Merchandise Advisory Board
649 created by this chapter.
650 (5) "Central database" or "database" means the electronic database created and
651 operated under Section 13-32a-105 .
652 (6) "Coin" means a piece of currency, usually metallic and usually in the shape of a
653 disc that is:
654 (a) stamped metal, and issued by a government as monetary currency; or
655 (b) (i) worth more than its current value as currency; and
656 (ii) worth more than its metal content value.
657 (7) "Coin dealer" means a person or business whose sole business activity is the selling
658 and purchasing of coins and precious metals.
659 (8) "Commercial grade precious metals" or "precious metals" means ingots, monetized
660 bullion, art bars, medallions, medals, tokens, and currency that are marked by the refiner or
661 fabricator indicating their fineness and include:
662 (a) .99 fine or finer ingots of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or other precious
663 metals; or
664 (b) .925 fine sterling silver ingots, art bars, and medallions.
665 (9) "Division" means the Division of Consumer Protection in Title 13, Chapter 1,
666 Department of Commerce.
667 (10) "Identification" means a [
668
669 passport card, a U.S. military ID, and a driver's license.
670 [
671 [
672
673 (11) "Local law enforcement agency" means the law enforcement agency that has
674 direct responsibility for ensuring compliance with central database reporting requirements for
675 the jurisdiction where the pawnshop or secondhand business is located.
676 (12) "Misappropriated" means stolen, embezzled, converted, obtained by theft, or
677 otherwise appropriated without authority of the lawful owner.
678 (13) "Original victim" means a victim who is not a party to the pawn or sale transaction
679 and includes:
680 (a) an authorized representative designated in writing by the original victim; and
681 (b) an insurer who has indemnified the original victim for the loss of the described
682 property.
683 (14) "Pawnbroker" means a person whose business engages in the following activities:
684 (a) loans money on one or more deposits of personal property;
685 (b) deals in the purchase, exchange, or possession of personal property on condition of
686 selling the same property back again to the pledgor or depositor;
687 (c) loans or advances money on personal property by taking chattel mortgage security
688 on the property and takes or receives the personal property into his possession, and who sells
689 the unredeemed pledges;
690 (d) deals in the purchase, exchange, or sale of used or secondhand merchandise or
691 personal property; or
692 (e) engages in a licensed business enterprise as a pawnshop.
693 (15) "Pawn and secondhand business" means any business operated by a pawnbroker
694 or secondhand merchandise dealer, or the owner or operator of the business.
695 (16) "Pawn ticket" means a document upon which information regarding a pawn
696 transaction is entered when the pawn transaction is made.
697 (17) "Pawn transaction" means an extension of credit in which an individual delivers
698 property to a pawnbroker for an advance of money and retains the right to redeem the property
699 for the redemption price within a fixed period of time.
700 (18) "Pawnshop" means the physical location or premises where a pawnbroker
701 conducts business.
702 (19) "Pledgor" means a person who conducts a pawn transaction with a pawnshop.
703 (20) "Property" means any tangible personal property.
704 (21) "Register" means the record of information required under this chapter to be
705 maintained by pawn and secondhand businesses. The register is an electronic record that is in a
706 format that is compatible with the central database.
707 (22) "Scrap jewelry" means any item purchased solely:
708 (a) for its gold, silver, or platinum content; and
709 (b) for the purpose of reuse of the metal content.
710 (23) (a) "Secondhand merchandise dealer" means an owner or operator of a business
711 that:
712 (i) deals in the purchase, exchange, or sale of used or secondhand merchandise or
713 personal property; and
714 (ii) does not function as a pawnbroker.
715 (b) "Secondhand merchandise dealer" does not include:
716 (i) the owner or operator of an antique shop;
717 (ii) any class of businesses exempt by administrative rule under Section 13-32a-112.5 ;
718 (iii) any person or entity who operates auction houses, flea markets, or vehicle, vessel,
719 and outboard motor dealers as defined in Section 41-1a-102 ;
720 (iv) the sale of secondhand goods at events commonly known as "garage sales," "yard
721 sales," or "estate sales";
722 (v) the sale or receipt of secondhand books, magazines, or post cards;
723 (vi) the sale or receipt of used merchandise donated to recognized nonprofit, religious,
724 or charitable organizations or any school-sponsored association, and for which no
725 compensation is paid;
726 (vii) the sale or receipt of secondhand clothing and shoes;
727 (viii) any person offering his own personal property for sale, purchase, consignment, or
728 trade via the Internet;
729 (ix) any person or entity offering the personal property of others for sale, purchase,
730 consignment, or trade via the Internet, when that person or entity does not have, and is not
731 required to have, a local business or occupational license or other authorization for this activity;
732 (x) any owner or operator of a retail business that receives used merchandise as a
733 trade-in for similar new merchandise;
734 (xi) an owner or operator of a business that contracts with other persons or entities to
735 offer those persons' secondhand goods for sale, purchase, consignment, or trade via the
736 Internet;
737 (xii) any dealer as defined in Section 76-10-901 , which concerns scrap metal and
738 secondary metals; or
739 (xiii) the purchase of items in bulk that are:
740 (A) sold at wholesale in bulk packaging;
741 (B) sold by a person licensed to conduct business in Utah; and
742 (C) regularly sold in bulk quantities as a recognized form of sale.
743 Section 12. Section 13-32a-109 is amended to read:
744 13-32a-109. Holding period for articles -- Penalty.
745 (1) (a) [
746 [
747 (i) 15 days have passed since the day on which the contract between the pawnbroker
748 and the pledgor was executed;
749 (ii) the contract period between the pawnbroker and the pledgor has expired; and
750 [
751 regarding reporting to the central database and Section 13-32a-103 .
752 (b) If an article, including scrap jewelry, is purchased by a pawn or secondhand
753 business or a coin dealer, the pawn or secondhand business or coin dealer may sell the article
754 after the pawn or secondhand business or coin dealer has held the article for 15 days and
755 complied with the requirements of Section 13-32a-106 regarding reporting to the central
756 database and Section 13-32a-103 , except that pawn, secondhand, and coin dealer businesses are
757 not required to hold precious metals or coins under this Subsection (1)(b).
758 (c) This Subsection (1) does not preclude a law enforcement agency from requiring a
759 pawn or secondhand business to hold an article if necessary in the course of an investigation.
760 (i) If the article was pawned, the law enforcement agency may require the article be
761 held beyond the terms of the contract between the pledgor and the pawn broker.
762 (ii) If the article was sold to the pawn or secondhand business, the law enforcement
763 agency may require the article be held if the pawn or secondhand business has not sold the
764 article.
765 (d) If the law enforcement agency requesting a hold on property under this Subsection
766 (1) is not the local law enforcement agency, the requesting law enforcement agency shall notify
767 the local law enforcement agency of the request and also the pawn or secondhand business.
768 (2) If a law enforcement agency requires the pawn or secondhand business to hold an
769 article as part of an investigation, the agency shall provide to the pawn or secondhand business
770 a hold ticket issued by the agency, which:
771 (a) states the active case number;
772 (b) confirms the date of the hold request and the article to be held; and
773 (c) facilitates the ability of the pawn or secondhand business to track the article when
774 the prosecution takes over the case.
775 (3) If an article is not seized by a law enforcement agency that has placed a hold on the
776 property, the property shall remain in the custody of the pawn or secondhand business until
777 further disposition by the law enforcement agency, and as consistent with this chapter.
778 (4) The initial hold by a law enforcement agency is for a period of 90 days. If the
779 article is not seized by the law enforcement agency, the article shall remain in the custody of
780 the pawn or secondhand business and is subject to the hold unless exigent circumstances
781 require the purchased or pawned article to be seized by the law enforcement agency.
782 (5) (a) A law enforcement agency may extend any hold for up to an additional 90 days
783 when exigent circumstances require the extension.
784 (b) When there is an extension of a hold under Subsection (5)(a), the requesting law
785 enforcement agency shall notify the pawn or secondhand business that is subject to the hold
786 prior to the expiration of the initial 90 days.
787 (c) A law enforcement agency may not hold an item for more than the 180 days
788 allowed under Subsections (5)(a) and (b) without obtaining a court order authorizing the hold.
789 (6) A hold on an article under Subsection (2) takes precedence over any request to
790 claim or purchase the article subject to the hold.
791 (7) When the purpose for the hold on or seizure of an article is terminated, the law
792 enforcement agency requiring the hold or seizure shall within 15 days after the termination:
793 (a) notify the pawn or secondhand business in writing that the hold or seizure has been
794 terminated;
795 (b) return the article subject to the seizure to the pawn or secondhand business; or
796 (c) if the article is not returned to the pawn or secondhand business, advise the pawn or
797 secondhand business either in writing or electronically of the specific alternative disposition of
798 the article.
799 (8) If the law enforcement agency does not notify the pawn or secondhand business
800 that a hold on an item has expired, the pawn or secondhand business shall send a letter by
801 registered or certified mail to the law enforcement agency that ordered the hold and inform the
802 agency that the holding period has expired. The law enforcement agency shall respond within
803 30 days by:
804 (a) confirming that the holding period has expired and that the pawn or secondhand
805 business may manage the item as if acquired in the ordinary course of business; or
806 (b) providing written notice to the pawn or secondhand business that a court order has
807 continued the period of time for which the item shall be held.
808 (9) The written notice under Subsection (8)(b) is considered provided when:
809 (a) personally delivered to the pawn or secondhand business with a signed receipt of
810 delivery;
811 (b) delivered to the pawn or secondhand business by registered or certified mail; or
812 (c) delivered by any other means with the mutual assent of the law enforcement agency
813 and the pawn or secondhand business.
814 (10) If the law enforcement agency does not respond within 30 days under Subsection
815 (8), the pawn or secondhand business may manage the item as if acquired in the ordinary
816 course of business.
817 (11) A violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor and is also subject to civil
818 penalties under Section 13-32a-110 .
819 Section 13. Section 13-32a-117 is amended to read:
820 13-32a-117. Property disposition if no criminal charges filed -- Administrative
821 hearing.
822 (1) The original victim or the pawn or secondhand business may request an
823 administrative property disposition hearing with the Division of Consumer Protection if:
824 (a) more than 30 days have passed since:
825 (i) the law enforcement agency placed a hold on the property; or
826 (ii) the property was seized by the law enforcement agency; and
827 (b) an agreement pursuant to Subsection 13-32a-115 (2)(b) has not been reached.
828 (2) The original victim or the pawn or secondhand business shall provide to the
829 Division of Consumer Protection at the time of the request for a property disposition hearing
830 [
831 (a) a copy of the sworn statement of the original victim taken pursuant to Section
832 13-32a-115 and the case number assigned by the law enforcement agency[
833 (b) a written notice from the prosecuting agency with jurisdiction over the case
834 involving the property that the prosecuting agency has made an initial determination under
835 Section 77-24-2 and this chapter that the property is no longer needed as evidence.
836 [
837
838 [
839
840 [
841
842
843 [
844
845
846 [
847
848
849 business, the Division of Consumer Protection shall schedule an adjudicative hearing in
850 accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 4, Administrative Procedures Act, to determine ownership
851 of the claimed property. The division shall provide written notice of the hearing to the pawn or
852 secondhand business and the original victim.
853 (b) The division shall conduct the hearing to determine disposition of the claimed
854 seized property, taking into consideration:
855 (i) the proof of ownership of the property and compliance with Subsection
856 13-32a-115 (1) by the original victim;
857 (ii) the claim of ownership by the pawn or secondhand business and the potential
858 financial loss to the business; and
859 (iii) compliance by the pawn or secondhand business with the requirements of this
860 chapter.
861 (c) If the division determines that the property should be released to the pawn or
862 secondhand business, the original victim retains a right of first refusal over the property for 15
863 days and may purchase the property at the amount financed or paid by the pawn or secondhand
864 business.
865 (d) The party to whom the division determines the property is to be released shall
866 maintain possession of the property for the duration of any time period regarding any
867 applicable right of appeal.
868 Section 14. Section 13-34-105 is amended to read:
869 13-34-105. Exempted institutions.
870 (1) This chapter does not apply to:
871 (a) a Utah institution directly supported, to a substantial degree, with funds provided
872 by:
873 (i) the state;
874 (ii) a local school district; or
875 (iii) other Utah governmental subdivision;
876 (b) an institution that offers instruction exclusively at or below the 12th grade level;
877 (c) a lawful enterprise that offers only professional review programs, such as C.P.A.
878 and bar examination review and preparation courses;
879 (d) a private, postsecondary educational institution that is owned, controlled, operated,
880 or maintained by a bona fide church or religious denomination, which is exempted from
881 property taxation under the laws of this state;
882 (e) subject to Subsection (3) and Section 13-34-107.5 , a school or institution that is
883 accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the United States
884 Department of Education;
885 (f) subject to Subsection (4), a business organization, trade or professional association,
886 fraternal society, or labor union that:
887 (i) sponsors or conducts courses of instruction or study predominantly for bona fide
888 employees or members; and
889 (ii) does not, in advertising, describe itself as a school;
890 (g) an institution that:
891 (i) (A) exclusively offers general education courses or instruction solely remedial,
892 avocational, nonvocational, or recreational in nature; and
893 (B) does not advertise occupation objectives or grant educational credentials; or
894 (ii) exclusively prepares individuals to teach courses or instruction described in
895 Subsection (1)(g)(i)(A);
896 (h) an institution that offers only workshops or seminars:
897 (i) lasting no longer than three calendar days; and
898 (ii) for which academic credit is not awarded;
899 (i) an institution that offers programs:
900 (i) in barbering, cosmetology, real estate, or insurance; and
901 (ii) that are regulated and approved by a state or federal governmental agency;
902 (j) an education provider certified by the Division of Real Estate under Section
903 61-2c-204.1 ;
904 (k) an institution that offers aviation training if the institution:
905 (i) (A) is approved under Federal Aviation Regulations, 14 C.F.R. Part 141; or
906 (B) provides aviation training under Federal Aviation Regulations, 14 C.F.R. Part 61;
907 and
908 (ii) exclusively offers aviation training that a student fully receives within 24 hours
909 after the student pays any tuition, fee, or other charge for the aviation training;
910 (l) an institution that provides emergency medical services training if all of the
911 institution's instructors, course coordinators, and courses are approved by the Department of
912 Health;
913 (m) an institution that exclusively conducts nurse aide training programs that are
914 approved by the State Office of Vocational Education and are subject to the Nurse Aide
915 Registry; and
916 (n) a private, nonprofit educational institution that has been in continuous operation as
917 a private, nonprofit educational institution for at least 20 years, except as provided in
918 Subsection (5), Subsection 13-34-106 (8) and Section 13-34-107.6 .
919 (2) If available evidence suggests that an exempt institution under this section is not in
920 compliance with the standards of registration under this chapter and applicable division rules,
921 the division shall contact the institution and, if appropriate, the state or federal government
922 agency to request corrective action.
923 (3) An institution, branch, extension, or facility operating within the state that is
924 affiliated with an institution operating in another state shall be separately approved by the
925 affiliate's regional or national accrediting agency to qualify for the exemption described in
926 Subsection (1)(e).
927 (4) For purposes of Subsection (1)(f), a business organization, trade or professional
928 association, fraternal society, or labor union is considered to be conducting the course
929 predominantly for bona fide employees or members if it hires a majority of the persons who:
930 (a) successfully complete its course of instruction or study with a reasonable degree of
931 proficiency; and
932 (b) apply for employment with that same entity.
933 (5) An institution subject to, or expressly exempted from any part of, this chapter is:
934 (a) established as an educational institution within the state;
935 (b) independent of the state system of higher education;
936 (c) subject to compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter; and
937 (d) authorized to operate educational programs beyond secondary education, including
938 programs leading to a degree or certificate.
939 Section 15. Section 13-49-102 is amended to read:
940 13-49-102. Definitions.
941 As used in this chapter:
942 (1) "Client" means a person who receives services from or enters into an agreement to
943 receive services from an immigration consultant.
944 (2) "Compensation" means anything of economic value that is paid, loaned, granted,
945 given, donated, or transferred to a person for or in consideration of:
946 (a) services;
947 (b) personal or real property; or
948 (c) another thing of value.
949 (3) "Department" means the Department of Commerce.
950 (4) "Division" means the Division of Consumer Protection in the department.
951 (5) "Immigration consultant" means a person who provides nonlegal assistance or
952 advice on an immigration matter including:
953 (a) completing a document provided by a federal or state agency, but not advising a
954 person as to the person's answers on the document;
955 (b) translating a person's answer to a question posed in a document provided by a
956 federal or state agency;
957 (c) securing for a person supporting documents, such as a birth certificate, that may be
958 necessary to complete a document provided by a federal or state agency;
959 (d) submitting a completed document on a person's behalf and at the person's request to
960 the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services; [
961 (e) for valuable consideration, referring a person to a person who could undertake legal
962 representation activities in an immigration matter.
963 (6) "Immigration matter" means a proceeding, filing, or action affecting the
964 immigration or citizenship status of a person that arises under:
965 (a) immigration and naturalization law;
966 (b) executive order or presidential proclamation; or
967 (c) action of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the United States
968 Department of State, or the United States Department of Labor.
969 Section 16. Section 13-49-202 is amended to read:
970 13-49-202. Application for registration.
971 (1) To register as an immigration consultant a person shall:
972 (a) submit an annual application in a form prescribed by the division;
973 (b) pay [
974 Section 63J-1-504 , which includes the costs of the criminal background check required under
975 Subsection (1)(e);
976 (c) have good moral character in that the applicant has not [
977 (i) a felony; or
978 (ii) within the last 10 years, a misdemeanor involving theft, fraud, or dishonesty;
979 (d) submit fingerprint cards in a form acceptable to the division at the time the
980 application is filed; and
981 (e) consent to a fingerprint background check by the Utah Bureau of Criminal
982 Identification regarding the application.
983 (2) The division shall register a person who qualifies under this chapter as an
984 immigration consultant.
985 Section 17. Section 13-49-204 is amended to read:
986 13-49-204. Bonds -- Exemption -- Statements dependent on posting bond.
987 (1) Except as provided in Subsection [
988 cash bond or surety bond:
989 (a) in the amount of $50,000; and
990 (b) payable to the division for the benefit of any person damaged by a fraud,
991 misstatement, misrepresentation, unlawful act, omission, or failure to provide services of an
992 immigration consultant, or an agent, representative, or employee of an immigration consultant.
993 (2) A bond required under this section shall be:
994 (a) in a form approved by the attorney general; and
995 (b) conditioned upon the faithful compliance of an immigration consultant with this
996 chapter and division rules.
997 (3) An immigration consultant shall keep the bond required under this section in force
998 for one year after the immigration consultant's registration expires or the immigration
999 consultant notifies the division in writing that the immigration consultant has ceased all
1000 activities regulated under this chapter.
1001 [
1002 canceled due to the person's negligence, the division may assess a $300 reinstatement fee.
1003 (b) No part of a bond posted by an immigration consultant under this section may be
1004 withdrawn:
1005 (i) during the one-year period the registration under this chapter is in effect; or
1006 (ii) while a revocation proceeding is pending against the person.
1007 [
1008 forfeited if the person's registration under this chapter is revoked.
1009 (b) Notwithstanding Subsection [
1010 bond posted by an immigration consultant for money owed the division under this [
1011 chapter without the [
1012 registration.
1013 [
1014 tax-exempt corporation who assists clients to complete an application document in an
1015 immigration matter, free of charge or for a fee, including reasonable costs, consistent with that
1016 authorized by the Board of Immigration Appeals under 8 C.F.R. Sec. 292.2.
1017 [
1018 person is an immigration consultant, engages in the business of an immigration consultant, or
1019 proposes to engage in the business of an immigration consultant, unless the person has posted a
1020 bond under this section that is maintained throughout the period covered by the statement, such
1021 as a listing in a telephone book.
1022 [
1023 or written reference to the immigration consultant's compliance with the bonding requirements
1024 of this section except as provided in this chapter.
1025 Section 18. Section 13-49-402 is amended to read:
1026 13-49-402. Violations -- Actions by division.
1027 (1) The division shall investigate and take action under this part for violations of this
1028 chapter.
1029 (2) A person who violates this chapter is subject to:
1030 (a) a cease and desist order; and
1031 (b) an administrative fine of not less than [
1032 separate violation.
1033 (3) An administrative fine shall be deposited in the Consumer Protection Education
1034 and Training Fund created in Section 13-2-8 .
1035 (4) (a) A person who intentionally violates this chapter:
1036 (i) is guilty of a class A misdemeanor; and
1037 (ii) may be fined up to $10,000.
1038 (b) A person intentionally violates this part if the violation occurs after the division,
1039 attorney general, or a district or county attorney notifies the person by certified mail that the
1040 person is in violation of this chapter.
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