§ 42-61.2-13. Enforcement. (a) Whoever violates § 42-61.2-2.1 or § 42-61.2-3.1, or any rule or regulation, policy or procedure, duly promulgated thereunder, or any administrative order issued pursuant to § 42-61.2-2.1 or § 42-61.2-3.1, shall be punishable as follows:

(1) In the Division director's discretion, the Division director may impose an administrative penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation. Each day of continued violation shall be considered as a separate violation if the violator has knowledge of the facts constituting the violation and knows or should know that such facts constitute or may constitute a violation. Lack of knowledge regarding such facts or violation shall not be a defense to a continued violation with respect to the first day of its occurrence. Written notice detailing the nature of the violation, the penalty amount, and effective date of the penalty will be provided by the Division director. Penalties shall take effect upon notification. A written request for a hearing must be submitted in writing to the Division director within thirty (30) days of notification of violation.

(2) In the Division director's discretion, the Division director may endeavor to obtain compliance with requirements of this chapter by written administrative order. Such order shall be provided to the responsible party, shall specify the complaint, and propose a time for correction of the violation.

(b) The Division director shall enforce this chapter. Such enforcement shall include, but not be limited to, referral of suspected criminal activity to the Rhode Island state police for investigation.

(c) Any interest, costs, or expense collected under this section shall be appropriated to the Division for administrative purposes.

(d) Any penalty imposed by the Division pursuant to this section shall be appealable to Superior Court.

History of Section. (P.L. 2012, ch. 289, § 7; P.L. 2012, ch. 290, § 7; P.L. 2018, ch. 47, art. 4, § 4.)