It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to pay or to receive more than fifteen per cent (15%) of the price received or paid for the equity security of any insurer as compensation for services, fees or commissions related directly or indirectly to the organization and promotion of the insurer and for the issuance or sale of the equity security of the insurer. In addition to any other penalty which may be applicable thereto, either under the Insurance Code or otherwise, violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as such where no greater penalty is provided therefor. In addition thereto, any person, firm or corporation that pays or receives in excess of the said fifteen per cent (15%) for such purposes shall be liable to the insurer for an amount double such excess. Suit to recover such excess may be instituted at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction by the insurer or by the owner of any equity security of the insurer in the name and in behalf of the insurer if the insurer shall fail or refuse to bring such suit within sixty days after request or shall fail diligently to prosecute the same thereafter. If no suit to recover such profit is so filed within six months following the date such profit was realized or accrued or if at any time such suit is not diligently prosecuted, the Insurance Commissioner may file or prosecute such suit for and on behalf of the insurer at the expense of the insurer.

Laws 1965, c. 341, § 3, emerg. eff. June 28, 1965.