<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<baltimore-city-law heading="§ 42-28 Investigation procedures.">
  <section prefix="§" num="42-28" heading="Investigation procedures.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="Initiation of investigation.">The Department shall investigate a complaint alleging that a business is:<para num="(1)">operating without a license;</para>
      <para num="(2)">operating with improper licensure; or</para>
      <para num="(3)">violating the terms of a business license; or</para>
      <para num="(4)">engaging in unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Complaint not within jurisdiction of Department.">
      <para num="(1)" heading="Dismissal and referral.">If a complaint is not within the jurisdiction of the Department under subsection (a) of this section, the Department shall dismiss the complaint and, if appropriate, refer the complaint to another entity with jurisdiction over the matter.</para>
      <para num="(2)" heading="Notification.">If a complaint is dismissed under this subsection, the Department shall promptly notify the complainant and respondent.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(c)" heading="Investigation.">
      <para num="(1)" heading="In general.">Upon receipt or issuance of a complaint, the Department shall promptly investigate the complaint.</para>
      <para num="(2)" heading="Subpoenas.">In the course of an investigation, the Department may issue a subpoena to require any person to:<para num="(i)">produce information, documents, reports, records, accounts, or any other evidence related to the allegations in the complaint; and</para>
        <para num="(ii)">appear under oath to give testimony related to the allegations in the complaint.</para>
      </para>
      <para num="(3)" heading="Oaths.">The Director may administer oaths as permitted under this section.</para>
      <para num="(4)" heading="Report of findings.">The Department shall prepare a written report of findings as soon as practicable after the conclusion of the investigation.</para>
    </para>
    <annotation type="History" />
  </section>
</baltimore-city-law>
