Sec.20-529e-14. Investigations; Penalty; Appeal

(a) A person or entity registered pursuant to chapter 400g of the Connecticut General Statutes shall cooperate with the department staff if such registrant is contacted in connection with an investigation performed by the department concerning possible violations of chapter 400g of the Connecticut General Statutes or sections 20-529e-1 through 20-529e-17, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. Such registrant shall not make any untruthful or misleading statements in connection with any department investigation or hearing.

(b) Any person may request the department to initiate disciplinary action against an applicant, a certified appraiser, registrant or person or entity acting in a capacity requiring a registration pursuant to chapter 400g of the Connecticut General Statutes as follows:

(1) The request shall be in writing or submitted in a form prescribed by the commissioner, shall identify the applicant, certified appraiser, or registrant, and shall set forth the nature of the complaint. Such request may, but need not, specify the statutes or regulations alleged to have been violated;

(2) The complainant shall be notified that a confidential investigation has been commenced not later than fourteen business days after receipt by the department of the verified complaint. The complainant shall be notified of final action taken on the complaint.

(c) If the complaint is not within the jurisdiction of the department, or the department is unable to make a satisfactory disposition of the complaint, the department, if appropriate, in the opinion of the department, shall transmit the complaint, together with any appropriate evidence or information in its possession concerning the complaint to the agency, public or private, whose authority in the opinion of the department will provide the most effective means to secure the relief sought. The department shall notify the complainant of such action and of any other appropriate means which may be available to the complainant to secure relief.

(d) An investigation regarding possible violations of sections 20-529 to 20-529c, inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes or sections 20-529e-1 to 20-529e-17, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, may be initiated by the department upon information and belief.

(e) Before issuing any private or public reprimand or denying, suspending, or revoking any certificate of registration issued or issuable pursuant to sections 20-529e-1 through 20-529e-17, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, the department shall proceed as prescribed by chapter 54 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(f) Any person issued a complaint may contest the complaint by filing a written notice that states with specificity the basis of the appeal with the department not later than 30 calendar days after receiving the complaint. Upon receipt of such notice, the department shall proceed as prescribed by chapter 54 the Connecticut General Statutes.

(Effective November 10, 2015)