45:22A-11. Rules and regulations; injunctions of actual or potential violations; intervention in actions; powers

(a) The agency shall adopt, amend, or repeal such rules and regulations as are reasonably necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of this act, after a public hearing with notice thereof published once in a newspaper or newspapers with Statewide circulation not less than 5 days nor more than 15 days prior to the hearing and mailed to developers not less than 5 days nor more than 15 days prior to the public hearing. The Director of the Division on Aging, State Department of Community Affairs, shall advise the director of the agency concerning the promulgation or alteration of such rules. The rules shall include but not be limited to provisions for advertising standards to assure full and fair disclosure; provisions for escrow or trust agreements or other means reasonably to assure that all improvements referred to in the statement of record and advertising will be completed and that purchasers will receive the interest in land contracted for; provisions for operating procedures; rules of procedure to be followed in the conduct of all hearings; and other rules as are necessary and proper to effect the purpose of this act.

(b) The agency by rule or by an order, after reasonable notice to all developers covered by this act and a hearing, may require the filing of advertising material relating to retirement subdivision and community lands prior to its distribution.

(c) If it appears that a person has engaged or is about to engage in an act or practice constituting a violation of a provision of this act, or a rule or order hereunder, the agency, with or without prior administrative proceedings, may bring an action in the Chancery Division of the State Superior Court to enjoin the acts or practices and to enforce compliance with this act or any rule or order hereunder. Upon proper showing, injunctive relief or temporary restraining orders shall be granted, and a receiver may be appointed. The agency is not required to post a bond in any court proceedings.

(d) The agency may intervene in a suit involving subdivisions or community lands covered by this act. In such suit, the developer shall promptly furnish the agency notice of the suit and copies of all pleadings.

(e) The agency may:

(1) Accept registrations filed in other states or with the Federal Government, or with the Bureau of Securities, within the Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Law and Public Safety;

(2) Grant exemptions if allowed by rules promulgated under subsection (a);

(3) Contract with similar agencies in this State or other jurisdictions to perform investigative functions;

(4) Accept grants in aid from any source.

(f) The agency shall cooperate with similar agencies in other jurisdictions to establish uniform filing procedures, statements of record and forms, uniform public offering statements, advertising standards, rules and common administrative practices.

L.1969, c. 215, s. 11. Amended by L.1975, c. 335, s. 3, eff. March 3, 1976.