Section 7-1-689. Denial, suspension, and revocation of license or designation of agent

   (a) The department may suspend or revoke an original or renewal license or the designation of an agent of a licensee on any ground on which it might refuse to issue an original license or for a violation of any provision of this article or any rule or regulation issued under this article or for failure of the licensee to pay, within 30 days after it becomes final, a judgment recovered in any court within this state by a claimant or creditor in an action arising out of the licensee's business in this state of selling or issuing checks. If a cease and desist order is issued by the department to a licensee who has been sent a notice of bond cancellation and if the required bond is reinstated or replaced and such documentation is delivered to the department within the 30 day period following the date of issuance of the order, the order shall be rescinded. If the notice of reinstatement of the bond is not received by the department within the 30 days, the license shall expire at the end of the 30 day period and the licensee shall be required to make a new application for a license and pay all applicable fees.

(b) Notice of the department's intention to enter an order denying an application for a license under this article or of an order suspending or revoking a license under this article shall be given to the applicant or licensee in writing, sent by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery addressed to the principal place of business of such applicant or licensee. Within 20 days of the date of the notice of intention to enter an order of denial, suspension, or revocation under this article, the applicant or licensee may request in writing a hearing to contest the order. If a hearing is not requested in writing within 20 days of the date of such notice of intention, the department shall enter a final order regarding the denial, suspension, or revocation. Any final order of the department denying, suspending, or revoking a license shall state the grounds upon which it is based and shall be effective on the date of issuance. A copy thereof shall be forwarded promptly by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery addressed to the principal place of business of such applicant or licensee. If a person refuses to accept service of the notice or order by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, the notice or order shall be served by the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized representative under any other method of lawful service; and the person shall be personally liable to the commissioner for a sum equal to the actual costs incurred to serve the notice or order. This liability shall be paid upon notice and demand by the commissioner or the commissioner's representative and shall be assessed and collected in the same manner as other fees or fines administered by the commissioner.

(c) A decision of the department denying a license, original or renewal, shall be conclusive, except that it may be subject to judicial review under Code Section 7-1-90. A decision of the department suspending or revoking a license shall be subject to judicial review in the same manner as a decision of the department to take possession of the assets and business of a bank under Code Section 7-1-155.

Ga. L. 1965, p. 81, §§ 11-13; Code 1933, § 41A-3210, enacted by Ga. L. 1974, p. 705, § 1; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1589, § 3; Ga. L. 2007, p. 502, § 22/SB 70.