(a) Each licensee shall pay to the commissioner its pro rata share of all costs and expenses reasonably incurred in the administration of this division, as estimated by the commissioner, for the ensuing year and any deficit actually incurred or anticipated in the administration of the division in the year in which the annual fee is levied. The pro rata share shall be based upon the proportion of net proceeds generated by California debtor accounts in the preceding year after the amount levied pursuant to subdivision (c).

(b) On or before September 30 in each year, the commissioner shall notify each licensee of the amount of the annual fee schedule that will take effect on January 1. If payment is not made by January 1, the commissioner shall assess and collect a penalty, in addition to the fee, of 1 percent of the assessment for each month or part of a month that the payment is delayed or withheld.

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(c) In the levying and collection of the annual fees, a licensee shall neither be charged for nor be permitted to pay less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than an aggregate of all reasonable costs to operate this division, with the exception of fees associated with investigations and examinations.

(d) If a licensee fails to pay the annual fees on or before January 1, the commissioner may by order summarily suspend or revoke the license issued to the licensee. If, after an order is made, a request for hearing is filed in writing within 30 days, and a hearing is not held within 60 days thereafter, the order is deemed rescinded as of its effective date. During any period when the license is revoked or suspended, a licensee shall not engage in the business of collecting debt in this state pursuant to this division except as may be permitted by order of the commissioner. However, the revocation, suspension, or surrender of a license shall not affect the powers of the commissioner as provided in this division.

(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, the commissioner may by rule require licensees to pay annual fees through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry.

(Added by Stats. 2020, Ch. 163, Sec. 3. (SB 908) Effective January 1, 2021. Operative January 1, 2022, pursuant to Sec. 100000.5.)