CHAPTER 1802. AUCTIONEERS
OCCUPATIONS CODE
TITLE 11. REGULATION OF SALES AND SOLICITATION
CHAPTER 1802. AUCTIONEERS
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 1802.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Advisory board" means the Auctioneer Education Advisory
Board.
(2) "Associate auctioneer" means an individual who, for
compensation, is employed by and under the direct supervision of
a licensed auctioneer to sell or offer to sell property at an
auction.
(3) "Auction" means the sale of property by competitive bid.
(4) "Auction company" means a person who engages in the business
of arranging, managing, sponsoring, advertising, or conducting
auctions.
(5) "Auctioneer" means an individual who sells or offers to sell
property at auction, with or without receiving valuable
consideration, as a bid caller.
(6) "Commission" means the Texas Commission of Licensing and
Regulation.
(7) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.019(1);
Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.351(a).
(8) "Department" means the Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation.
(8-a) "Executive director" means the executive director of the
department.
(9) "Fund" means the auctioneer education and recovery fund.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.001, 4.019(1),
eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.010,
14A.351, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.002. APPLICABILITY. This chapter does not apply to:
(1) a sale conducted by order of a United States court under
Title 11, United States Code;
(2) a sale conducted by an employee of the United States, this
state, or a political subdivision of this state in the course and
scope of employment;
(3) a sale conducted by a charitable, religious, or civic
organization, including an organization having a tax exempt
status under Section 501(c), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or
organized as a nonprofit entity, if the person organizing,
arranging, or conducting the auction receives no compensation;
(4) a sale conducted by an individual of the individual's
property if the individual is not engaged in the business of
selling property as an auctioneer on a recurring basis;
(5) a foreclosure sale of real property personally conducted by
a trustee under a deed of trust;
(6) a foreclosure sale of personal property personally conducted
by:
(A) a person who holds a security interest in the property,
including a mortgage; or
(B) an employee or agent of a person described by Paragraph (A)
acting in the course and scope of employment, if:
(i) the employee or agent is not otherwise engaged in the
auction business; and
(ii) all property for sale in the auction is subject to a
security agreement;
(7) a sale conducted by sealed bid;
(8) an auction conducted only for student training purposes as
part of a course of study approved by the executive director for
auctioneers;
(9) an auction conducted by a posted stockyard or market agency
as defined by the federal Packers and Stockyards Act (7 U.S.C.
Section 181 et seq.), as amended;
(10) an auction of livestock conducted by a nonprofit livestock
trade association chartered in this state, if the auction
involves only the sale of livestock owned by members of the trade
association; or
(11) an auction conducted by a charitable or nonprofit
organization chartered in this state, if the auction:
(A) is part of a fair that is organized under state, county, or
municipal authority; and
(B) involves only the sale of property owned by the
organization's members.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 26.044, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.352, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.
201, Sec. 1, eff. May 24, 2007.
Sec. 1802.003. PREEMPTION. A political subdivision of this
state may not levy on or collect from an auctioneer or associate
auctioneer a license tax or fee as a regulatory or revenue
measure or require the licensing of an auctioneer or associate
auctioneer, if the auctioneer or associate auctioneer holds a
license under this chapter and is in compliance with this
chapter.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
SUBCHAPTER B. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 1802.051. LICENSE REQUIRED. (a) A person may not act as
an auctioneer or associate auctioneer in an auction held in this
state unless the person is an individual who holds a license
issued by the executive director under this chapter.
(b) An auctioneer who advertises to conduct an auction in this
state shall provide the auctioneer's name and license number in
the advertisement.
(c) A person who is licensed under this chapter may not act as
an auctioneer for an auction company unless the company is owned
or operated by a person who is licensed under this chapter.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 26.045, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.353, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.052. ELIGIBILITY FOR AUCTIONEER'S LICENSE. (a) An
individual is eligible for an auctioneer's license if the
individual:
(1) is at least 18 years of age;
(2) is a citizen of the United States or a legal alien;
(3) either:
(A) passes a written or oral examination demonstrating knowledge
of the auction business and of the laws of this state relating to
the auction business; or
(B) shows proof of employment by a licensed auctioneer for at
least two years during which the applicant participated in at
least 10 auctions;
(4) holds a high school diploma or a high school equivalency
certificate;
(5) has not been convicted of a felony during the five years
preceding the date of application; and
(6) has completed at least 80 hours of classroom instruction at
an auction school with a curriculum approved by the department in
accordance with the standards and procedures established by rule
adopted under this chapter.
(b) The department, as provided by rule, may charge an auction
school a reasonable fee for approving the curriculum as required
under Subsection (a)(6).
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 395, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2003.
Sec. 1802.053. ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSOCIATE AUCTIONEER'S LICENSE.
An individual is eligible for an associate auctioneer's license
if the individual:
(1) is a citizen of the United States or a legal alien; and
(2) is employed under the direct supervision of a licensed
auctioneer.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1802.054. APPLICATION FOR LICENSE. An applicant for a
license must apply to the executive director on a form provided
by the executive director that establishes the applicant's
eligibility for the license. The application must be accompanied
by:
(1) the required bond;
(2) the required license fee; and
(3) either:
(A) the permit number of a sales tax permit issued to the
applicant by the comptroller under Subchapter F, Chapter 151, Tax
Code; or
(B) proof of exemption from the tax permit requirement under
Chapter 151, Tax Code.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 26.046, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.354, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.055. APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION. (a) An individual
who establishes that the individual is eligible for an
auctioneer's license may apply to the executive director to take
the license examination. The application must be accompanied by
the examination fee.
(b) On receipt of an examination application and fee, the
executive director shall furnish the applicant with:
(1) study materials and references on which the examination will
be based; and
(2) a schedule specifying the dates and places the examination
will be offered.
(c) The applicant may take the examination at any scheduled
offering not later than the 90th day after the date the applicant
receives the study materials.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 26.047, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.355, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.056. LICENSE EXAMINATION. (a) The license
examination must be designed to establish:
(1) an applicant's general knowledge of the auction business;
(2) the principles of conducting an auction; and
(3) the laws of this state relating to auctioneers.
(b) The license examination shall be offered at least four times
each year at locations designated by the executive director.
(c) The executive director shall prepare:
(1) examinations for an auctioneer's license; and
(2) study and reference materials on which the examinations are
based.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 26.048, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.356, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.058. REEXAMINATION. An applicant who fails the
license examination may reapply to take the examination. If the
applicant fails the examination twice during a one-year period,
the applicant may not reapply for one year.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1802.059. LICENSING BY RECIPROCITY. (a) An applicant for
an auctioneer's license who is not a resident of this state but
is licensed as an auctioneer in another state must submit to the
executive director:
(1) a license application;
(2) a certified copy of the auctioneer's license issued to the
applicant by the state or political subdivision in which the
applicant resides; and
(3) proof that the state or political subdivision in which the
applicant is licensed has competency standards equivalent to or
stricter than those of this state.
(b) The executive director shall accept the applicant's
auctioneer's license submitted under Subsection (a)(2) as proof
of the applicant's professional competence and waive the
examination and training requirements of Section 1802.052 if the
state or political subdivision that issued the nonresident a
license extends similar recognition and courtesies to this state.
(c) A nonresident applicant must comply with all other
application requirements prescribed by this chapter.
(d) A nonresident applicant must submit with the application a
written irrevocable consent to service of process. The consent
must be in the form and supported by additional information that
the commission by rule requires. The consent must:
(1) provide that an action relating to any transaction subject
to this chapter may be commenced against the license holder in
the proper court of any county of this state in which the cause
of action may arise or in which the plaintiff may reside by
service of process on the executive director as the license
holder's agent; and
(2) include a statement stipulating and agreeing that service
provided by this section is as valid and binding as if service
had been made on the person according to the laws of this or any
other state.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.002, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.060. TERM OF LICENSE. A license issued under this
chapter shall be issued for the period prescribed by the
commission.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1802.062. LICENSE NOT REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES. An
employee of an auction company who does not act as a bid caller
at any auction in this state is not required to hold a license
under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 395, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
2003.
SUBCHAPTER C. AUCTIONEER EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD
Sec. 1802.101. AUCTIONEER EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD. The
advisory board shall advise the commission on educational
matters.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.003, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.359, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.102. APPOINTMENT OF ADVISORY BOARD; MEMBERSHIP;
ELIGIBILITY. (a) The advisory board consists of seven members
appointed as follows:
(1) three members who are licensed auctioneers appointed by the
presiding officer of the commission, with the commission's
approval;
(2) the executive director of the Texas Economic Development and
Tourism Office or the director's designee;
(3) the commissioner of education or the commissioner's
designee; and
(4) two public members.
(b) In appointing advisory board members under Subsection
(a)(1), the presiding officer of the commission may not appoint
members who reside in contiguous senatorial districts.
(c) Appointments to the advisory board shall be made without
regard to the race, color, handicap, sex, religion, age, or
national origin of the appointees.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.004, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
457, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 1802.103. TERMS; VACANCIES. (a) The members appointed
under Section 1802.102(a)(1) serve two-year terms that expire on
September 1. If a vacancy occurs during the term of such a
member, the presiding officer of the commission, with the
commission's approval, shall appoint a replacement to serve for
the remainder of the term.
(b) The remaining members are ex officio members. Each ex
officio member shall continue to serve during the time the member
holds office.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.005, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.104. PRESIDING OFFICER. The presiding officer of the
commission, with the commission's approval, shall appoint a
member of the advisory board to serve as presiding officer of the
board. The presiding officer serves for two years.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.006, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.105. REMOVAL. A member appointed under Section
1802.102(a)(1) may be removed by a six-sevenths vote of the
advisory board.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
457, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 1802.106. COMPENSATION. A member appointed under Section
1802.102(a)(1) may not receive:
(1) compensation for serving on the advisory board; or
(2) reimbursement for expenses.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1802.107. MEETINGS. (a) The advisory board shall meet at
least quarterly each calendar year.
(b) The advisory board may meet at other times at the call of
the presiding officer.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1802.108. CIVIL LIABILITY. A member of the advisory board
is not liable in a civil action for an act performed in good
faith while performing duties as an advisory board member.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1802.109. AUCTIONEER EDUCATION PROGRAMS. (a) The advisory
board shall:
(1) evaluate educational programs, seminars, and training
projects; and
(2) make recommendations to the commission on their usefulness
and merit as continuing education tools.
(b) On the recommendation of the advisory board, the commission
may fund or underwrite specific classes, seminars, or events for
the education and advancement of the auctioneering profession in
this state.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.007, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER D. AUCTIONEER EDUCATION AND RECOVERY FUND
Sec. 1802.151. FUND. The auctioneer education and recovery fund
is a trust fund with the comptroller for the payment of claims
against auctioneers licensed under this chapter.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1802.152. MANAGEMENT OF FUND. (a) The department is the
manager of the fund and shall:
(1) administer the fund without appropriation;
(2) maintain books and records as required by the executive
director;
(3) appear at hearings or judicial proceedings; and
(4) invest and reinvest the fund's assets as instructed by the
executive director.
(b) The department, as manager, is entitled to compensation for
reasonable and necessary costs and expenses for the management of
the fund. The department shall be compensated from the earnings
from the fund.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 26.049, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.363, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.153. ADDITIONAL FEES. (a) In addition to any other
fees required by this chapter, an applicant entitled to receive a
license under this chapter must pay a fee before the executive
director issues the license.
(b) If the balance in the fund on December 31 of a year is less
than $300,000, each license holder at the next license renewal
shall pay, in addition to the renewal fee, a fee that is equal to
the greater of $50 or a pro rata share of the amount necessary to
obtain a balance in the fund of $300,000.
(c) The fees paid under this section shall be deposited in the
fund.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.008, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.364, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.154. INVESTMENT OF FUND. (a) Amounts deposited in
the fund may be invested and reinvested in the same manner as
funds of the Employees Retirement System of Texas, and income
from the investments shall be deposited to the credit of the
fund.
(b) The department may not make an investment that would impair
the liquidity required to satisfy payments made from the fund.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1802.155. LIABILITY. (a) The fund or the department is
not liable to a consumer for a recovery from the fund if the
assets of the fund are insufficient to pay the amount awarded.
(b) If the fund contains insufficient assets to pay the
consumer:
(1) the department shall record the time and date an order for
payment to a consumer was received; and
(2) the executive director shall pay consumers for whom an order
is recorded under Subdivision (1) as funds become available in
the order of the recorded time and date of the order.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 26.050, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.365, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.156. EDUCATION EXPENDITURES PERMITTED. The executive
director may use amounts in excess of $250,000 in the fund to:
(1) advance education and research in the auctioneering
profession for the benefit of license holders and to improve and
increase the efficiency of the industry;
(2) underwrite educational seminars, training centers, and other
educational projects for the use and benefit of license holders;
(3) sponsor, contract, and underwrite other educational and
research projects that advance the auctioneering profession in
this state; and
(4) cooperate with associations of auctioneers and other groups
for the education and advancement of the auctioneering profession
in this state.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 26.051, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.366, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER E. COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
Sec. 1802.201. INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS. The executive
director may, on the executive director's motion, and shall, on
the written complaint of a person aggrieved by the actions of an
auctioneer in an auction, investigate an alleged violation of
this chapter by a licensed or unlicensed auctioneer or an
applicant.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.009, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.366, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.202. CONSUMER CLAIMS. (a) A person who deals with an
auctioneer licensed under this chapter and who is aggrieved by an
action of the auctioneer as a result of a violation of a contract
made with the auctioneer may initiate a claim against the fund by
filing with the department a complaint against the auctioneer.
(b) The executive director may not pay a claim against an
auctioneer who was not licensed at the time of the transaction on
which the claim is based.
(c) The department shall investigate a complaint filed under
this section and determine the amount owed to the aggrieved
party.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.010, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.367, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Text of section as amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec.
4.011.
Sec. 1802.203. HEARING. (a) If the amount determined by the
department under Section 1802.202 is disputed by the auctioneer
or the aggrieved party, the department's hearings examiner shall:
(1) conduct a hearing on the claim in accordance with department
rules; and
(2) determine the amount owed to the aggrieved party.
(b) A hearing on a claim may be conducted at the department's
Austin office or at another location as provided by department
rule.
(c) After the hearing, the hearings examiner shall prepare a
proposal for decision for the commission.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.011, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Text of section as amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1215,
Sec. 13
Sec. 1802.203. HEARING. If the amount determined by the
department under Section 1802.202 is disputed by the auctioneer
or the aggrieved party, the department shall refer the matter to
the State Office of Administrative Hearings for a hearing on the
disputed claim.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1215, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1,
2003.
Sec. 1802.204. APPEAL. A party may appeal a decision of the
commission in the manner provided for a contested case under
Chapter 2001, Government Code.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.012, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.205. PAYMENT OF CLAIM. (a) If the department's
determination under Section 1802.202 is not disputed by the
auctioneer or the aggrieved party, the executive director shall
pay the claim from the fund, subject to Section 1802.206.
(b) If a hearing is held on the department's determination, the
executive director shall pay to the aggrieved party the amount of
actual damages determined by the executive director.
(c) The amount of actual damages may not include attorney's
fees, speculative damages, or lost profits.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 26.052, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.370, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.206. PAYMENT LIMITS. (a) The executive director may
not pay a single aggrieved party more than $10,000.
(b) The total payment of all claims by more than one aggrieved
party arising from one auction at one location, regardless of the
length of the auction, may not exceed $20,000.
(c) The total payment of claims against a single auctioneer may
not exceed $20,000.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 26.053, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.371, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.207. REIMBURSEMENT; INTEREST. (a) If the executive
director pays a claim against an auctioneer, the auctioneer
shall:
(1) reimburse the fund immediately or agree in writing to
reimburse the fund on a schedule to be determined by rule of the
commission; and
(2) immediately pay the aggrieved party any amount due to that
party or agree in writing to pay the party on a schedule to be
determined by rule of the commission.
(b) Payments made by an auctioneer to the fund or to an
aggrieved party under this section include interest accruing at
the rate of eight percent a year beginning on the date the
executive director pays the claim.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.013, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.208. SUBROGATION. If the executive director pays a
claim against an auctioneer, the department is subrogated to all
rights of the aggrieved party against the auctioneer to the
extent of the amount paid to the aggrieved party.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 26.054, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.372, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.209. EFFECT ON DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS. (a) This
subchapter and Section 1802.252 do not limit the commission's
authority to take disciplinary action against a license holder
for a violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this
chapter.
(b) A license holder's repayment of all amounts owed to the fund
does not nullify or modify the effect of another disciplinary
proceeding brought under this chapter.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.014, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER F. DENIAL OF LICENSE AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Sec. 1802.251. DENIAL OF APPLICATION; SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION
OF LICENSE. The commission may deny an application for a license
or suspend or revoke the license of any auctioneer for:
(1) violating this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter;
(2) obtaining a license through false or fraudulent
representation;
(3) making a substantial misrepresentation in an application for
an auctioneer's license;
(4) engaging in a continued and flagrant course of
misrepresentation or making false promises through an agent,
advertising, or otherwise;
(5) failing to account for or remit, within a reasonable time,
money belonging to another that is in the auctioneer's possession
and commingling funds of another with the auctioneer's funds or
failing to keep the funds of another in an escrow or trust
account; or violating the Business & Commerce Code in
conducting an auction.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.015, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.252. REVOCATION FOR CLAIM ON FUND. (a) The
commission may revoke a license issued under this chapter if the
executive director makes a payment from the fund as the result of
an action of the license holder.
(b) The commission may probate an order revoking a license.
(c) An auctioneer is not eligible for a new license until the
auctioneer has repaid in full the amount paid from the fund on
the auctioneer's account, including interest, unless:
(1) a hearing is held; and
(2) the executive director issues a new probated license.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.016, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
Sec. 1802.253. HEARING BY STATE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE
HEARINGS.
Text of subsec. (a) as amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816,
Sec. 4.017
(a) Before denying an application for a license, the commission
shall:
(1) set the matter for a hearing; and
(2) before the hearing date, notify the applicant in writing of:
(A) the charges alleged or the question to be determined at the
hearing; and
(B) the date and location of the hearing.
Text of subsec. (a) as amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1215,
Sec. 15
(a) Before denying an application for a license or suspending or
revoking a license, the commissioner shall:
(1) set the matter for a hearing to be conducted by the State
Office of Administrative Hearings; and
(2) before the 30th day before the hearing date, notify the
applicant or license holder in writing of:
(A) the charges alleged or the question to be determined at the
hearing; and
(B) the date and location of the hearing.
(b) At a hearing under this section, the applicant may:
(1) be present and be heard in person or by counsel; and
(2) have an opportunity to offer evidence by oral testimony,
affidavit, or deposition.
(c) Written notice may be served by personal delivery to the
applicant or by certified mail to the last known mailing address
of the applicant.
(d) If the applicant who is the subject of the hearing is an
associate auctioneer, the commission shall provide written notice
to the auctioneer who employs the associate auctioneer or who has
agreed to employ the associate auctioneer by mailing the notice
by certified mail to the auctioneer's last known mailing address.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.017, eff. Sept.
1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1215, Secs. 14, 15, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER G. CRIMINAL PENALTIES
Sec. 1802.301. PRACTICING WITHOUT LICENSE; OFFENSE. (a) A
person commits an offense if the person acts as an auctioneer
without a license.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1802.302. FRIVOLOUS CLAIM; OFFENSE. (a) A person commits
an offense if the person intends to benefit personally or to harm
another and the person:
(1) institutes under this chapter a claim in which the person
knows the person has no interest; or
(2) institutes under this chapter a frivolous suit or a claim
that the person knows is false.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 1802.303. GENERAL CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits
an offense if the person violates a provision of this chapter or
a rule adopted by the commission under this chapter for which a
penalty is not provided.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 4.018, eff. Sept.
1, 2003.