HB 159

Abstract

Amends the Currency Exchange Act. Provides that all funds received by currency exchanges for remittance to utility and other companies be deposited into an escrow account no later than the next business day and the escrow account may not be used for any other use. Increases a community currency exchange license application fee to $1,500 (rather than $500) and increases the annual license fee to $500 (rather than $200). Requires that the community currency exchange retain a annual surety bond of $50,000 (rather than $10,000) or the community currency exchange may be covered by a blanket bond in a principal aggregate sum of not less than $10,000,000 (rather than $2,000,000). Requires that the community currency exchange maintain a minimum of $5,000 of its own cash funds to be available for the uses and purposes of its business. Requires that the community currency exchange deposit into an escrow account all funds received as payment for money orders no later than the next business day. Provides that the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation may fine a licensee an amount not to exceed $10,000 per violation, revoke, or suspend any license issued if the licensee fails to comply with any provision of this Act or any order, decision, finding, rule, regulation, or direction of the Secretary. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2012.