81-23-204. Declining, suspending, and revoking licenses -- penalties in lieu of suspension or revocation. (1) The department may refuse to grant a license or may suspend or revoke a license already granted for due cause upon due notice and after hearing. The violation of any provisions of this chapter or of any lawful order or rule of the board or department, the failure or refusal to make required statements or reports, or failure to pay license or assessment fees are causes for which the department may suspend or revoke a license.
     (2) In place of suspension or revocation of a license, the department may assess a civil penalty not to exceed $500 per day for each daily failure to comply with or each daily violation of the provisions of this chapter or of any lawful order or rule of the department or board. If the person against whom a civil penalty is assessed fails to pay the civil penalty immediately, the department shall collect the civil penalty by a civil proceeding in the district court of the first judicial district. This penalty shall be construed as civil and not criminal in nature. Any moneys received by the department as a result of collection of civil penalties shall be paid into the state special revenue fund as provided by 81-23-403.

     History: En. Sec. 11, Ch. 204, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 107, L. 1971; amd. Sec. 96, Ch. 431, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 27-411; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 23, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 277, L. 1983.