This information is prepared as an informational service only and should not be relied upon as an official record of action taken by the Colorado General Assembly.
Sixty-first General Assembly
LLS NO. 980538.01 MCV
HOUSE BILL 981128
STATE OF COLORADO
BY REPRESENTATIVE May;
also SENATOR Ament.
REREVISED
TRANSPORTATION & ENERGY
A BILL FOR AN ACT
CONCERNING REGULATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSACTIONS,
AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, EXTENDING THE EXISTENCE OF THE MOTOR
VEHICLE DEALER BOARD.
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced
and does not necessarily reflect any amendments that may be subsequently
adopted.)
Sunset Process House Transportation and Energy Committee. Continues the motor vehicle dealer board for 5 years, until July 1, 2003.
Modifies the definition of "advertisement" to include a commercial message on a computer network and to exclude any materials that are required to be displayed under federal or state law.
Prohibits a motor vehicle auctioneer from accepting consignments of motor vehicles for sale. Requires that any auctioning of motor vehicles by a motor vehicle auctioneer be incidental to the primary business of auctioning goods.
Modifies the definition of "used motor vehicle dealer" to eliminate the exception for a person who owns property where sales are made, but who leases such property to a licensed motor vehicle auctioneer.
Eliminates the office of secretary/treasurer for the motor vehicle dealer board. Requires the board to elect a 1st vicepresident and a 2nd vicepresident from its membership, instead of a single vicepresident.
Authorizes the motor vehicle dealer board to issue temporary licenses, for periods not to exceed 120 days, while the board is completing its investigation regarding the license application.
Allows the motor vehicle dealer board to conduct hearings using hearing officers from the board's membership, in addition to using administrative law judges. Directs the board to promulgate rules regarding circumstances in which a board member should not act as a hearing officer because of business competition issues. Limits the sanctions that may be recommended by a hearing officer as follows:
Authorizes the board to issue letters of admonition and letters of reprimand for violations by licensees. Authorizes the board to seek to resolve disputes prior to beginning an investigation or hearing. Provides that specified discovery available under the Colorado rules of civil procedure is available in proceedings conducted by the board.
Eliminates the authority of the motor vehicle dealer board to prescribe forms for the lease of a motor vehicle.
Requires the executive secretary of the motor vehicle dealer board to be experienced in dealer licensing laws and in the duties of a quasijudicial agency. Allows the executive secretary to discharge any duties of the board that the board delegates.
Authorizes the motor vehicle dealer board to request the attorney general to make civil investigations and enforce civil violations of the board's rules and to bring and defend civil suits.
Prohibits a licensee from holding more than one license at the same location.
Provides that any license issued expires upon the voluntary surrender of the license or upon the abandonment of the licensee's place of business for more than 30 days. If a motor vehicle dealer, used motor vehicle dealer, or wholesaler voluntarily surrenders its license or abandons its place of business for more than 30 days, requires the licensee to file a new license application in order to obtain a license renewal.
Provides that licenses expire one year after the month of issuance of the license, instead of expiring on July 1. Directs the motor vehicle dealer board and the executive director of the department of revenue to modify the expiration dates of existing licenses so that approximately the same number of licenses expire in each month of the year.
Eliminates the requirement that the bonds of a licensee be conditioned on the requirement that the licensee comply with the provisions of the motor vehicle dealer licensing statutes.
Eliminates the requirement that the motor vehicle dealer board send a notice to a motor vehicle salesperson who has been discharged or has left his or her place of employment informing such salesperson that his or her license has been returned to the board.
Authorizes the denial, suspension, or revocation of the license of a manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, or distributor branch for the following:
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
SECTION 1. 126101 (1) (a), (1) (c), and (1) (d), Colorado Revised Statutes, are amended to read:
126101. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly hereby declares that:
(a) The sale and distribution of motor
vehicles is affected with a
AFFECTS THE public interest and it
is recognized that a significant
factor of inducement in making a sale of a motor vehicle is the
trust and confidence of the purchaser in the retail dealer from
whom the purchase is made and the expectancy that such dealer
will remain in business to provide service for the motor vehicle
purchased;
(c) The licensing and supervision of motor
vehicle dealers by the motor vehicle dealer board are necessary
for the protection of consumers and therefore the sale of motor
vehicles by unlicensed dealers OR SALESPERSONS, OR BY LICENSED
DEALERS OR SALESPERSONS WHO HAVE DEMONSTRATED UNFITNESS, should
be curtailed
PREVENTED;
(d) Consumer education concerning the
rules and regulations of the motor vehicle industry, and
the considerations when purchasing a motor vehicle, is
AND THE ROLE, FUNCTIONS, AND ACTIONS OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER
BOARD ARE necessary for the protection of consumers
due to the value of a motor vehicle
THE PUBLIC AND FOR MAINTAINING THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF THE
PUBLIC IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER BOARD.
SECTION 2. 126102 (1.5) and (12.6) and the introductory portion to 126102 (17), Colorado Revised Statutes, are amended to read:
126102. Definitions. As used in this part 1, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1.5) "Advertisement" means
any commercial message in any newspaper, magazine, leaflet, flyer,
or catalog, on radio, television, or a public address system,
in direct mail literature or other printed material, on any interior
or exterior sign or display, in any window display, ON A COMPUTER
DISPLAY, or in any pointoftransaction literature or
price tag which
THAT is delivered or made available to a customer or prospective
customer in any manner whatsoever; EXCEPT THAT SUCH TERM DOES
NOT INCLUDE MATERIALS REQUIRED TO BE DISPLAYED BY FEDERAL OR STATE
LAW.
(12.6) "Motor vehicle auctioneer" means any person, not otherwise required to be licensed pursuant to this part 1, who is engaged in the business of offering to sell, or selling, used motor vehicles owned by persons other than the auctioneer at public auction only. ANY AUCTIONING OF MOTOR VEHICLES BY AN AUCTIONEER SHALL BE INCIDENTAL TO THE PRIMARY BUSINESS OF AUCTIONING GOODS.
(17) "Used motor vehicle dealer"
means any person who, for commission or with intent to make a
profit or gain of money or other thing of value, sells, exchanges,
leases, or offers an interest in used motor vehicles, or attempts
to negotiate a sale, exchange, or lease of used and new motor
vehicles or who is engaged wholly or in part in the business of
selling used motor vehicles, whether or not such motor vehicles
are owned by such person. The sale of three or more used motor
vehicles or the offering for sale of more than three used motor
vehicles at the same address or telephone number in any one calendar
year shall be prima facie evidence that a person is engaged in
the business of selling used motor vehicles. "Used motor
vehicle dealer" includes any owner of real property who allows
more than three used motor vehicles to be offered for sale on
such property during one calendar year unless said property is
leased to a licensed used motor vehicle dealer. or
a licensed motor vehicle auctioneer, as defined in subsection
(12.6) of this section. "Used
motor vehicle dealer" does not include:
SECTION 3. 126103 (1), Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
126103. Motor vehicle dealer
board. (1) There is hereby
created and established the motor vehicle dealer board, consisting
of nine members who have been residents of this state for at least
five years, three of whom shall be licensed motor vehicle dealers,
three of whom shall be licensed used motor vehicle dealers, and
three of whom shall be members from the public at large. The
members representing the public at large shall not have a present
or past financial interest in a motor vehicle dealership. The
board shall assume its duties July 1, 1992, and all terms of the
board members shall commence on that date. The terms of office
of the board members shall be three years. except
that, of the members appointed to take office on July 1, 1992,
three shall be appointed for a oneyear term, three shall
be appointed for a twoyear term, and three shall be appointed
for a threeyear term. Any
vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.
SECTION 4. 126104 (2), (3) (e) (I), (3) (f), (3) (j) (II), (3) (j) (III), (3) (l), and (3) (m) (I), Colorado Revised Statutes, are amended, and the said 126104 (3) is further amended BY THE ADDITION OF THE FOLLOWING NEW PARAGRAPHS, to read:
126104. Board oath
meetings powers and duties.
(2) The board shall within
thirty days on or after July 1, 1992, and
annually thereafter
in the month of July elect from the membership thereof a president,
a FIRST vicepresident, and a secretary
who shall also serve as treasurer
SECOND VICEPRESIDENT. The board shall meet at such times
as it deems necessary. A majority of the board shall constitute
a quorum at any meeting or hearing.
(3) The board is authorized and empowered:
(a.5) TO DELEGATE TO THE BOARD'S EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, EMPLOYED PURSUANT TO SECTION 126105 (1) (b), THE AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE ALL ACTIONS WITHIN THE POWER OF THE BOARD, CARRY OUT THE DIRECTIVES OF THE BOARD, AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD ON ALL MATTERS WITHIN THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD;
(a.7) TO ISSUE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE A TEMPORARY LICENSE TO ANY PERSON APPLYING FOR ANY LICENSE ISSUED BY THE BOARD. THE TEMPORARY LICENSE SHALL PERMIT THE APPLICANT TO OPERATE FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAYS WHILE THE BOARD IS COMPLETING ITS INVESTIGATION AND DETERMINATION OF ALL FACTS RELATIVE TO THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE APPLICANT FOR SUCH LICENSE. A TEMPORARY LICENSE IS TERMINATED WHEN THE APPLICANT'S LICENSE IS ISSUED OR DENIED.
(e) (I) After due notice and a hearing, to review the findings of the judge if the hearing was conducted by an administrative law judge pursuant to section 244105, C.R.S., OR A HEARING OFFICER FROM WITHIN THE BOARD'S MEMBERSHIP, or upon its own findings if the hearing was conducted by the board, to revoke and suspend or to order the executive director to issue or to reinstate, on such terms and conditions and for such period of time as to the board shall appear fair and just, any license issued under and pursuant to the terms and provisions of this part 1. THE BOARD MAY DIRECT A LETTER OF ADMONITION FOR MINOR VIOLATIONS OR MAY ISSUE A LETTER OF REPRIMAND TO ANY LICENSEE FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS PART 1. A LETTER OF ADMONITION DOES NOT BECOME A PART OF THE LICENSEE'S RECORD WITH THE BOARD. A LETTER OF REPRIMAND IS A PART OF THE LICENSEE'S RECORD WITH THE BOARD FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS AFTER ISSUANCE AND MAY BE CONSIDERED IN AGGRAVATION OF ANY SUBSEQUENT VIOLATION BY THE LICENSEE. WHEN A LETTER OF REPRIMAND IS SENT TO A LICENSEE OF THE BOARD, SUCH LICENSEE SHALL BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING REGARDING THE RIGHT TO REQUEST IN WRITING, WITHIN TWENTY DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF SUCH LETTER, THAT FORMAL DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS BE INITIATED AGAINST SUCH LICENSEE TO ADJUDICATE THE PROPRIETY OF THE CONDUCT UPON WHICH THE LETTER OF REPRIMAND IS BASED. IF A REQUEST IS MADE WITHIN SUCH TIME PERIOD, THE LETTER OF REPRIMAND IS DEEMED VACATED AND THE MATTER SHALL BE PROCESSED BY MEANS OF FORMAL DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS.
(f) (I) To investigate through the
executive director, on its own motion or upon the sworn
WRITTEN AND SIGNED complaint of any person, any suspected or alleged
violation by any motor vehicle dealer, motor vehicle salesperson,
used motor vehicle dealer, wholesale motor vehicle auction dealer,
or wholesaler licensee of any of the terms and provisions of this
part 1 or of any rule or regulation promulgated by the board under
the authority conferred upon it in this section. The board shall
order an investigation of all sworn
WRITTEN AND SIGNED complaints, shall have the authority to issue
subpoenas and to delegate the authority to issue subpoenas to
the executive director, and the executive director shall make
an investigation of all such complaints transmitted by the board
pursuant to section 126105 (1) (d). THE BOARD HAS
THE AUTHORITY TO SEEK TO RESOLVE DISPUTES BEFORE BEGINNING AN
INVESTIGATION OR HEARING THROUGH ITS OWN ACTION OR BY DIRECTION
TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
(II) After an investigation BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DESIGNEE, if the board determines that there is probable cause to believe a violation of this article has occurred, it may order that an administrative hearing be held pursuant to section 244105, C.R.S., OR MAY DESIGNATE ONE OF THE BOARD'S MEMBERS AS A HEARING OFFICER TO CONDUCT A HEARING PURSUANT TO SECTION 244105, C.R.S.
(j) (II) The
examination required in subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (j)
shall be conducted by the department of revenue;
(III) The
board and the executive director shall report to the sunrise and
sunset review committee on their progress in developing an updated
examination and procedure for conducting such examination by July
1, 1992.
(l) (I) To
prescribe a form or forms to be used as a part of a contract for
the lease of a motor vehicle by any motor vehicle dealer or motor
vehicle salesperson, which shall include the following information
in addition to any other disclosures or information required by
state or federal law:
(A) In twelvepoint boldfaced
type or a size of at least three points larger than the smallest
type appearing in the contract, an instruction that the form is
a legal instrument and that, if the lessee of the motor vehicle
does not understand the form, such lessee should seek legal assistance;
(B) In boldfaced type, of
the size specified in subsubparagraph (A) of this subparagraph
(I), an instruction that only those terms in written form embody
the contract for the lease of a motor vehicle and that any conflicting
oral representations made to the lessee are void;
(C) In boldfaced type, of
the size specified in subsubparagraph (A) of this subparagraph
(I), a notice that fraud or misrepresentation in the lease of
a motor vehicle is punishable under the laws of this state;
(D) A statement disclosing the
dollar value of any tradein or capital cost reduction made
by the lessee, which value shall be agreed upon by the parties
and entered in writing on the contract.
(II) The information required
by subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (l) shall be read and initialed
by both parties at the time of the consummation of the lease of
a motor vehicle.
(III) The use of the contract
form required by subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (l) shall
be mandatory for the lease of any motor vehicle.
(m) (I) (A) If a hearing is
held before an administrative law judge OR A HEARING OFFICER DESIGNATED
BY THE BOARD FROM WITHIN THE BOARD'S MEMBERSHIP, after due notice
and a hearing by such judge OR HEARING OFFICER pursuant to section
244105, C.R.S., to review the findings of law and
fact and the fairness of any fine imposed by
such judge and to uphold such fine,
which shall not exceed ten thousand
dollars for each separate offense by any person licensed by the
board pursuant to this part 1, to
impose an administrative fine upon its own initiative, which shall
not exceed ten thousand dollars for each separate offense by any
licensee, or to vacate the fine imposed by the judge OR HEARING
OFFICER; except that, for motor vehicle dealers who sell primarily
vehicles which
THAT weigh under one thousand five hundred pounds, the fine for
each separate offense shall not exceed one thousand dollars.
WHENEVER A HEARING IS HEARD BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE, THE
MAXIMUM FINE THAT MAY BE IMPOSED IS TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH
SEPARATE OFFENSE BY ANY PERSON LICENSED BY THE BOARD PURSUANT
TO THIS PART 1; EXCEPT THAT, FOR MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS WHO SELL
PRIMARILY VEHICLES THAT WEIGH UNDER ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED
POUNDS, THE FINE FOR EACH SEPARATE OFFENSE MAY NOT EXCEED ONE
THOUSAND DOLLARS. WHENEVER A LICENSING HEARING IS CONDUCTED BY
A HEARING OFFICER, THE SANCTIONS THAT MAY BE RECOMMENDED BY THE
HEARING OFFICER ARE LIMITED TO THE DENIAL OR GRANT OF AN UNRESTRICTED
LICENSE OR A RESTRICTED LICENSE UNDER SUCH TERMS AS THE HEARING
OFFICER DEEMS APPROPRIATE. WHENEVER A DISCIPLINARY HEARING IS
CONDUCTED BY A HEARING OFFICER, THE HEARING OFFICER MAY ONLY RECOMMEND
A PROBATIONARY PERIOD OF NO MORE THAN TWELVE MONTHS, A FINE OF
NO MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS, OR BOTH SUCH PROBATIONARY PERIOD
AND FINE FOR EACH SEPARATE VIOLATION COMMITTED BY A PERSON LICENSED
BY THE BOARD.
(B) THE BOARD SHALL PROMULGATE RULES REGARDING CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH A BOARD MEMBER SHOULD NOT ACT AS A HEARING OFFICER IN A PARTICULAR MATTER BEFORE THE BOARD BECAUSE OF BUSINESS COMPETITION ISSUES CONNECTED WITH THE PARTIES INVOLVED IN SUCH MATTER.
(o) (I) TO IMPOSE A FINE OF UP TO ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS PER DAY PER VIOLATION FOR ANY PERSON FOUND, AFTER NOTICE AND HEARING PURSUANT TO SECTION 244105, C.R.S., TO HAVE VIOLATED THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 126120 (2). FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS PARAGRAPH (o), THE ADDRESS FOR THE NOTICE TO BE GIVEN UNDER SECTION 244105, C.R.S., IS THE LASTKNOWN ADDRESS FOR THE PERSON AS INDICATED IN THE STATE MOTOR VEHICLE RECORDS; THE LASTKNOWN ADDRESS FOR THE OWNER OF THE REAL PROPERTY UPON WHICH MOTOR VEHICLES ARE DISPLAYED IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 126120 (2) AS INDICATED IN THE RECORDS OF THE COUNTY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE; OR AN ADDRESS FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 4 OF THE COLORADO RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE.
(II) ANY PERSON WHO FAILS TO PAY A FINE ORDERED BY THE BOARD FOR A VIOLATION OF SECTION 126102 (2) UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH (o) SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS, BY THE BOARD THROUGH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, IN THE COUNTY OR DISTRICT COURT PURSUANT TO THE COLORADO RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE. ANY FINES COLLECTED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH (o) SHALL BE DISPOSED OF PURSUANT TO SECTION 126123.
SECTION 5. 126105 (1) (b) and (1) (d) (I), Colorado Revised Statutes, are amended to read:
126105. Powers and duties of executive director. (1) The executive director is hereby charged with the administration, enforcement, and issuance or denial of the licensing of buyer agents, distributors, distributor branches, distributor representatives, factory branches, factory representatives, and motor vehicle manufacturers, and shall have the following powers and duties:
(b) To employ, subject to the laws of
the state of Colorado and after consultation with the board,
an executive secretary for the board. and
THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY SHALL BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE BOARD AND
SHALL, PURSUANT TO DELEGATION BY THE BOARD, DISCHARGE THE RESPONSIBILITIES
OF THE BOARD UNDER THIS PART 1. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MAY ALSO
EMPLOY such clerks, deputies, and assistants as the executive
director considers necessary to discharge the duties imposed upon
the executive director by this part 1 and to designate the duties
of such clerks, deputies, and assistants.
(d) (I) To investigate upon the executive
director's own initiative, upon the sworn
WRITTEN AND SIGNED complaint of any person, or upon request by
the board pursuant to section 126104 (3) (f) (I),
any suspected or alleged violation by any person licensed by the
executive director pursuant to this part 1 of any of the terms
and provisions of this part 1 or of any rule or regulation promulgated
by the executive director under the authority conferred upon the
executive director in this section;
SECTION 6. 126107, Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
126107. Attorney general to advise and represent. (1) The attorney general of this state shall represent the board and executive director and shall give opinions on all questions of law relating to the interpretation of this part 1 or arising out of the administration thereof and shall appear for and in behalf of the board and executive director in all actions brought by or against them, whether under the provisions of this part 1 or otherwise.
(2) THE BOARD MAY REQUEST THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO MAKE CIVIL INVESTIGATIONS AND ENFORCE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD IN CASES OF CIVIL VIOLATIONS AND TO BRING AND DEFEND CIVIL SUITS AND PROCEEDINGS FOR ANY OF THE PURPOSES NECESSARY AND PROPER FOR CARRYING OUT THE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD.
SECTION 7. 12-6-108(1)(b), Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
126108. Classes of licenses. (1) Licenses issued under the provisions of this part 1 shall be of the following classes:
(b) Used motor vehicle dealer's license shall
permit the licensee to engage in the business of selling, exchanging,
leasing, or offering used motor vehicles only. Such license shall
also permit a licensee to negotiate for a consumer the sale, exchange,
or lease of used and new motor vehicles not owned by the licensee,
except those vehicles defined in section 421102 (55),
C.R.S., as motorcycles and section 3314.5101 (3),
C.R.S., as offhighway vehicles; however, the licensee shall
disclose IN WRITING to all parties prior to any such negotiation
for the sale, exchange, or lease of a motor vehicle not owned
by the licensee the amount
of WHETHER THE LICENSEE
WILL RECEIVE any compensation to
be received by the licensee
from the consumer and WHETHER THE LICENSEE WILL RECEIVE ANY
COMPENSATION FROM the owner of the motor vehicle as a result of
such transaction. PRIOR TO COMPLETION OF SUCH SALE, EXCHANGE,
OR LEASE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE NOT OWNED BY THE LICENSEE, THE LICENSEE
SHALL DISCLOSE IN WRITING TO ALL PARTIES THE AMOUNT OF THE COMPENSATION
TO BE RECEIVED FROM THE CONSUMER AND THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION
TO BE RECEIVED FROM THE OWNER OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE AS A RESULT
OF SUCH TRANSACTION. This form of license shall permit not more
than two persons named therein who
shall be owners or part owners of the business of the licensee
to act as motor vehicle salespersons.
SECTION 8. 126110 (3) (a) and (3) (c), Colorado Revised Statutes, are amended to read:
126110. Fees disposition
expenses expiration of licenses.
(3) (a) Such licenses, if the
same have not been suspended or revoked as provided in this part
1, shall be valid until July 1 next
ONE YEAR following the date
MONTH of issuance thereof and shall then expire; EXCEPT THAT ANY
LICENSE ISSUED UNDER THIS PART 1 SHALL EXPIRE UPON THE VOLUNTARY
SURRENDER THEREOF OR UPON THE ABANDONMENT OF THE LICENSEE'S PLACE
OF BUSINESS FOR A PERIOD OF MORE THAN THIRTY DAYS.
(c) Upon the expiration of such license, unless suspended or revoked, the same may be renewed upon the payment of the fees specified in this section, which shall accompany applications, and such renewal shall be made from year to year as a matter of right; EXCEPT THAT, IF A MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER, USED MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER, OR WHOLESALER VOLUNTARILY SURRENDERS ITS LICENSE OR ABANDONS ITS PLACE OF BUSINESS FOR A PERIOD OF MORE THAN THIRTY DAYS, THE LICENSEE IS REQUIRED TO FILE A NEW APPLICATION TO RENEW ITS LICENSE.
SECTION 9.. 12-6-111 (1) Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
126111. Bond of licensee. (1) Before any motor vehicle dealer's, wholesaler's, wholesale motor vehicle auction dealer's, or used motor vehicle dealer's license shall be issued by the board through the executive director to any applicant therefor, the said applicant shall procure and file with the board evidence of a savings account, deposit, or certificate of deposit meeting the requirements of section 1135101, C.R.S., or a good and sufficient bond with corporate surety thereon duly licensed to do business within the state, approved as to form by the attorney general of the state, and conditioned that said applicant shall not practice fraud, make any fraudulent representation, or violate any of the provisions of this part 1 THAT ARE DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD BY RULE in the conduct of the business for which such applicant is licensed.
SECTION 10. 126112 (1) and (2), Colorado Revised Statutes, are amended to read:
126112. Motor vehicle salesperson's bond. (1) Before any motor vehicle salesperson's license is issued by the board through the executive director to any applicant therefor, the said applicant shall procure and file with the board evidence of a savings account, deposit, or certificate of deposit meeting the requirements of section 1135101, C.R.S., or a good and sufficient bond in the amount of five thousand dollars with corporate surety thereon duly licensed to do business within the state, approved as to form by the attorney general of the state, and conditioned that said applicant shall perform in good faith as a motor vehicle salesperson without fraud or fraudulent representation and without the violation of any of the provisions of this part 1 THAT ARE DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD BY RULE.
(2) No corporate surety shall be required
to make any payment to any person claiming under such bond until
a final determination of fraud or fraudulent representation or
the violation of any of the provisions of this part 1
has been made by the board or by a court of competent jurisdiction.
SECTION 11. 126112.2 (1), Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended, and the said 126112.2 is further amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SUBSECTION, to read:
126112.2. Buyer agent bonds. (1) A buyer agent's license shall not be issued by the executive director to any applicant therefor until said applicant procures and files with the executive director evidence of a savings account, deposit, or certificate of deposit meeting the requirements of section 1135101, C.R.S., or a good and sufficient bond in the amount of five thousand dollars with a corporate surety duly licensed to do business within the state AND approved as to form by the attorney general. The bond shall be available to ensure that said applicant shall perform in good faith as a buyer agent without fraud or fraudulent representation and without violating ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF this part 1 THAT ARE DESIGNATED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BY RULE.
(3) NO CORPORATE SURETY SHALL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY PAYMENT TO ANY PERSON CLAIMING UNDER SUCH BOND UNTIL A FINAL DETERMINATION OF FRAUD OR FRAUDULENT REPRESENTATION HAS BEEN MADE BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OR BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION.
SECTION 12. 126116 (3), Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
126116. Notice of change
of address or status. (3) Should
any motor vehicle salesperson be discharged or leave an employer
or change a place of employment, the motor vehicle dealer or
used motor vehicle dealer who last employed said salesperson shall
confiscate and forthwith return such salesperson's license to
the board. The salesperson shall
be notified by the board at such salesperson's last known place
of residence that such salesperson's license has been returned
to the board and that, upon obtaining employment again as a motor
vehicle salesperson, the motor vehicle salesperson may notify
the board, and thereupon a new license shall be issued for the
unexpired portion of the term of the returned license at a fee
established pursuant to section 126110 (5).
It shall be unlawful for such salesperson to act as a motor vehicle
salesperson until a new license is procured.
SECTION 13. Repeal. 126117 (3), Colorado Revised Statutes, is repealed as follows:
126117. Principal place
of business requirements. (3) (a) On
such site or location adequate facilities shall be maintained
for reconditioning and repairing either new or used cars, but
if the motor vehicle dealer or used motor vehicle dealer files,
in the office of the board, a contract with a duly licensed and
reputable garage with such facilities, such dealers shall not
be required to maintain such reconditioning facilities at their
principal place of business.
(b) If such contract is cancelled
or expires, then such motor vehicle dealer or used motor vehicle
dealer shall notify the board within three days after the cancellation
or expiration that such dealer no longer has a valid contract
in existence for the reconditioning and repairing of either new
or used cars.
(c) Such dealer shall file
a valid contract with a duly licensed and reputable garage within
ten days after any valid and existing contract with a duly licensed
and reputable garage has been cancelled or has expired.
SECTION 14. Repeal. 126118 (3) (q), Colorado Revised Statutes, is repealed as follows:
126118. Licenses grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation. (3) A motor vehicle dealer's, wholesale motor vehicle auction dealer's, wholesaler's, buyer agent's, or used motor vehicle dealer's license may be denied, suspended, or revoked on the following grounds:
(q) Engaging
in such business without having adequate service facilities for
the reconditioning and servicing of motor vehicles or having a
valid and existing contract with a duly licensed and reputable
garage with such facilities;
SECTION 15. 126118 (6), Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW PARAGRAPH to read:
126118. Licenses grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation. (6) Any license issued pursuant to this part 1 may be denied, revoked, or suspended if unfitness of such licensee or licensee applicant is shown in the following:
(d) VIOLATION OF ANY LAWFUL ORDER OF THE BOARD.
SECTION 16. 126118, Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SUBSECTION to read:
126118. Licenses grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation. (7) (a) ANY LICENSE ISSUED OR FOR WHICH AN APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE PURSUANT TO THIS PART 1 SHALL BE REVOKED OR DENIED IF THE LICENSEE OR APPLICANT HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF OR PLEADED NO CONTEST TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFENSES IN THIS STATE OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION DURING THE PREVIOUS TEN YEARS:
(I) A FELONY IN VIOLATION OF ARTICLE 3, 4, OR 5 OF TITLE 18, C.R.S., OR ANY SIMILAR CRIME UNDER FEDERAL LAW OR THE LAW OF ANY OTHER STATE; OR
(II) A CRIME INVOLVING ODOMETER FRAUD, SALVAGE FRAUD, MOTOR VEHICLE TITLE FRAUD, OR THE DEFRAUDING OF A RETAIL CONSUMER IN A MOTOR VEHICLE SALE OR LEASE TRANSACTION.
(b) A CERTIFIED COPY OF A JUDGMENT OF CONVICTION BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION OF AN OFFENSE UNDER PARAGRAPH (a) OF THIS SUBSECTION (7) IS CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE OF SUCH CONVICTION IN ANY HEARING HELD PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE.
SECTION 17. 126119, Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
126119. Procedure for denial, suspension, or revocation of license judicial review. The denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses issued under this part 1 shall be in accordance with the provisions of sections 244104 and 244105, C.R.S.; EXCEPT THAT THE DISCOVERY AVAILABLE UNDER RULE 26 (b) (2) OF THE COLORADO RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE IS AVAILABLE IN ANY PROCEEDING CONDUCTED BY THE BOARD. The board may appoint an administrative law judge pursuant to part 10 of article 30 of title 24, C.R.S., OR A HEARING OFFICER FROM AMONG ITS MEMBERSHIP to conduct hearings for the board. HEARINGS CONDUCTED BY A HEARING OFFICER APPOINTED FROM THE BOARD MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD. HEARINGS CONDUCTED BEFORE AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS. The court of appeals shall have initial jurisdiction to review all final actions and orders that are subject to judicial review of the board. Such proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with section 244106 (11), C.R.S.
SECTION 18. 126122 (1), Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
126122. Right of action for loss. (1) If any person suffers loss or damage by reason of any fraud practiced on such person or fraudulent representation made to such person by a licensed dealer or one of the dealer's salespersons acting for the dealer on such dealer's behalf or within the scope of the employment of the salesperson or suffers any loss or damage by reason of the violation by such dealer or salesperson of any of the provisions of this part 1 THAT ARE DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD BY RULE, whether or not such violation is the basis for denial, suspension, or revocation of a license, such person shall have a right of action against the dealer, such dealer's motor vehicle salespersons, and the sureties upon their respective bonds. The right of a person to recover for loss or damage as provided in this subsection (1) against the dealer or salesperson shall not be limited to the amount of their respective bonds.
SECTION 19. 126124, Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
126124. Repeal of article.
This article is repealed, effective July 1, 1998
2008. Prior to such repeal, the motor vehicle dealer board and
the licensing functions of the executive director shall be reviewed
as provided for in section 2434104, C.R.S.
SECTION 20. Repeal. 2434104 (27) (b) (I), Colorado Revised Statutes, is repealed as follows:
2434104. General assembly review of regulatory agencies and functions for termination, continuation, or reestablishment. (27) (b) The following board and functions of the specified agencies shall terminate on July 1, 1998:
(I) The motor
vehicle dealer board;
SECTION 21. 24-34-104, Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SUBSECTION to read:
2434104. General assembly review of regulatory agencies and functions for termination, continuation, or reestablishment. (39) THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES, FUNCTIONS, OR BOTH, SHALL TERMINATE ON JULY 1, 2008: THE MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER BOARD CREATED BY SECTION 126103, C.R.S.
SECTION 22. 423127 (6) (b) (III), Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
423127. Manufacturers or
dealers. (6) (b) (III) Fulluse
dealer plates shall be valid for a period not to exceed one year.
Each fulluse dealer plate shall
expire on June 30 in the year of expiration.
SECTION 23. Effective date applicability. This act shall take effect July 1, 1998, and shall apply to acts committed on or after said date.
SECTION 24. Safety clause. The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.