A. If the superintendent believes that any person engaged in any business which is subject to the superintendent's supervision under the Insurance Code, is in the conduct of such business engaging in this state in any method of competition or in any act or practice not defined in this article which is unfair or deceptive and that a proceeding by him in respect thereto would be in the public interest, the superintendent shall, after a hearing of which notice and of the charges against such person are given him, make a written report of his findings of fact relative to such charges and serve a copy thereof upon such person and any intervenor at the hearing.

B. If such report charges a violation of this article and if such method of competition, act or practice has not been discontinued, the superintendent may at any time after twenty (20) days after the service of such report cause an action to be instituted in the district court of the county wherein the person resides or has his principal place of business to enjoin and restrain such person from engaging in such method, act or practice. The court shall have jurisdiction of the proceeding and shall have power to make and enter appropriate orders in connection therewith and to issue such writs or orders as are ancillary to its jurisdiction or necessary in its judgment to prevent injury to the public pendente lite; but the state of New Mexico shall not be required to give security before the issuance of any such order or injunction under this section. A certified transcript of the record of the proceedings in the hearing before the superintendent, including all evidence taken and the report and findings, shall be received in evidence in such action.

C. If the court finds that:

(1) the method of competition complained of is unfair or deceptive; and

(2) the proceedings of the superintendent with respect thereto are to the interest of the public; and

(3) the findings of the superintendent are supported by the weight of the evidence, it shall issue its order enjoining and restrainting [restraining] the continuance of such method of competition, act or practice.

D. Either party may appeal from such final judgment or order or decree of court in a like manner as provided for appeals in civil cases.

E. If the superintendent's report or order on hearing made under Subsection A does not charge a violation of this article, then any intervenor in the proceedings may appeal therefrom within the time and in the manner provided in the Insurance Code for appeals from the superintendent generally.

History: Laws 1984, ch. 127, § 295.

Bracketed material. — The bracketed material was inserted by the compiler and it is not part of the law.

Cross references. — For the Insurance Code, see 59A-1-1 NMSA 1978 and notes thereto.