Section 33-48-4. Proceedings upon violation of chapter; burden of proof; penalties

   (a)(1) If the Commissioner has reason to believe that a controlling producer has committed or is committing an act which could be determined to be a violation, as defined in paragraph (6) of Code Section 33-48-2, he shall serve upon the controlling producer a statement of the charges and notice of a hearing to be conducted in accordance with Chapter 2 of this title at a time not less than 30 days after the service of the notice and at a place fixed in the notice.

   (2) At such hearing, the Commissioner must establish that the controlling producer engaged in a violation, as defined in paragraph (6) of Code Section 33-48-2. The controlling producer shall have an opportunity to be heard and to present evidence rebutting the charges and to establish that the insolvency of the controlled insurer arose out of events not attributable to the violation. The decision, determination, or order of the Commissioner shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to Chapter 2 of this title.

   (3) Upon the finding, pursuant to the proceeding set forth in this subsection that the controlling producer committed a violation, as defined in paragraph (6) of Code Section 33-48-2, and the controlling producer failed to establish that such violation did not substantially contribute to the insolvency, the controlling producer shall reimburse the Georgia Insurers Insolvency Pool or the Georgia Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association for all payments made for losses, loss adjustment, and administrative expenses on the business placed by such producer in excess of gross earned premiums and investment income earned on premiums and loss reserves for such business.

   (4) Nothing contained in this Code section shall affect the right of the Commissioner to impose any other penalties provided for in this title.

(b) Nothing contained in this chapter is intended to or shall in any manner alter or affect the rights of policyholders, claimants, creditors, or other third parties.

Code 1981, § 33-48-4, enacted by Ga. L. 1991, p. 1424, § 8; Ga. L. 1992, p. 6, § 33; Ga. L. 1993, p. 91, § 33.