815 ILCS 307/10-45
2021 Illinois Compiled Statutes|Chapter 815 - BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS|815 ILCS 307/ - Illinois Business Brokers Act of 1995.|Article 10

Sec. 10-45.         Powers of Secretary of State; privilege  against self-incrimination; admissibility into evidence.(a) The Secretary of State may do the following:(1) Adopt rules and regulations to implement this     Act.(2) Conduct investigations and examinations:(A) in connection with any application for         registration of any business broker or any registration already granted; or(B) whenever it appears to the Secretary of         State, upon the basis of a complaint or information, that reasonable grounds exist for the belief that an investigation or examination is necessary or advisable for the more complete protection of the interests of the public.(3) Charge as costs of investigation or examination     all reasonable expenses, including a per diem prorated upon the salary of any employee and actual traveling and hotel expenses.  All reasonable expenses are to be paid by the party or parties under investigation or examination.(4) Issue notices and orders, including cease and     desist notices and orders, after making an investigation or examination under paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Section.  The Secretary of State may also bring an action to prohibit a person from violating this Act. The Secretary of State shall notify the person that an order or notice has been issued, the reasons for it and that a hearing will be set in accordance with the provisions of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act after the Secretary of State receives a written request from the person requesting a hearing.(5) Sign all orders, official certifications,     documents or papers issued under this Act or delegate the authority to sign any of those items to his or her designee.(6) Hold and conduct hearings.(7) Hear evidence.(8) Conduct inquiries with or without hearings.(9) Receive reports of investigators or other     officers or employees of the State of Illinois or any municipal corporation or governmental subdivision within the State.(10) (Blank).(11) (Blank).(12) (Blank).(13) Order depositions to be taken of any witness     residing within or without the State.  The depositions shall be taken in the manner prescribed by law for depositions in civil actions and made returnable to the Secretary of State.(14) For the purposes of all investigations, audits,     examinations, or inspections which in the opinion of the Secretary of State are necessary and proper for the enforcement of this Act, the Secretary of State or a person designated by him or her is empowered to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, take evidence, and require by subpoena or other lawful means provided by this law or such rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of State the production of any books and records, papers, or other documents that the Secretary of State or a person designated by him or her deems relevant or material to the injury.(b) If any person refuses to obey a subpoena issued  under this Act, the Secretary of State may make application  to any court of competent jurisdiction to order the person  to appear before the Secretary of State and produce  documentary evidence or give evidence as directed in the  subpoena.  The failure to obey the order of the court shall  be subject to punishment by the court as contempt of court.(c) No person shall be excused from complying with a  subpoena on the ground that the testimony or evidence  required may tend to incriminate the person or subject the  person to a penalty or forfeiture.  No individual may be  prosecuted or subject to any penalty or forfeiture for or  on account of any transaction, matter or thing which the  individual is compelled to testify or produce evidence,  after claiming the privilege against self-incrimination.  However, the individual so testifying shall not be exempt  from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so  testifying.(d) In any prosecution, action, suit or proceeding  based upon or arising out of this Act, the Secretary of  State may sign a certificate showing compliance or  non-compliance with this Act by any business broker.  This  shall constitute prima facie evidence of compliance or  non-compliance with this Act and shall be admissible in  evidence in any court to enforce this Act.(e) Whenever it shall appear to the Secretary of  State that any person is engaged or about to engage in any  acts or practices which constitute or will constitute a  violation of this Act, or of any rule or regulation  prescribed under authority of this Act, the Secretary of  State may at his or her discretion, through the Attorney  General:(1) File a complaint and apply for a temporary     restraining order without notice, and upon a proper showing the court may enter a temporary restraining order without a bond, to enforce this Act.(2) File a complaint and apply for a preliminary or     permanent injunction, and, after notice and hearing and upon a proper showing, the court may grant a preliminary or permanent injunction and may order the defendant to make an offer of rescission with respect to any contract for business brokerage services determined by the court to be unlawful under this Act.(f) The court shall further have jurisdiction and  authority, in addition to the penalties and other remedies  in this Act provided, to enter an order for the appointment  of the court or a person as a receiver, conservator,  ancillary receiver or ancillary conservator for the  defendant or the defendant's assets located in this State,  or to require restitution or damages on behalf of the  person or persons injured by the act or practice  constituting the subject matter of the action, and may  assess costs against the defendant for the use of the State.(g) No provision of this Act imposing liability shall apply to any act  done or omitted in good faith in conformity with any rule of the  Secretary of State under this Act, notwithstanding that such rule  may, after such act or omission, be amended or rescinded or be determined by  judicial or other authority to be invalid for any reason.    (Source: P.A. 92-308, eff. 1-1-02.)