5-402

5-402. Licensing authority; powers; duties

The department of revenue is designated as the "licensing authority" of this article. The department of revenue shall be in charge of enforcement of the terms and provisions of this article and, as state licensing authority, it shall:

1. Grant or refuse licenses under this article. In addition, the licensing authority shall have the power on its own motion based on reasonable grounds or on a complaint made and after an investigation and public hearing, at which the licensee shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard, to suspend or revoke any license issued by the licensing authority for any violation by the licensee or any officer, director, agent, member or employee of such licensee of the provisions of this article or any rule authorized under this article. Notice of suspension or revocation, as well as notice of such hearing, shall be given by certified mail to the licensee at the address contained in such license. The licensing authority may suspend the operation of a game pending a hearing, in which case, the hearing shall be held within ten days after such notice. Proceedings to suspend or revoke a license shall be held pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10.

2. Supervise the administration of this article and adopt, amend and repeal rules governing the holding, operating and conducting of games of bingo, the rental or purchase of premises and the purchase of equipment and providing that games of bingo shall be held, operated and conducted only by licensees for the purposes and in conformity with the provisions of this article.

3. Keep records of all actions and transactions of the licensing authority.

4. Report on request to the governor or the legislature respecting the administration of this article and make such recommendations in regard to legislation as the licensing authority shall deem necessary and proper.