PROTECT SMALL BUSINESS ACT

Creates the Consumer Protections for Small Business Act. Provides that the Act applies to any person that offers or provides commercial financing in Illinois or is otherwise a provider, to any person that seeks to evade its applicability by any device, subterfuge, or pretense whatsoever, and to any person that aids or facilitates a violation of the Act. Provides that the Act shall be administered by the Division of Financial Institutions of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Prohibits a person from providing commercial financing without the license required by the Act and shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony for practicing without a license. Sets forth provisions concerning investigation of a person that may require licensure pursuant to the Act; licensure requirements for persons providing commercial financing; applying for licensing under the Act; license application and issuance; refusal to issue a license; license issuance and renewal; fees; functions, power, and duties; examination and prohibited activities; subpoena power of the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation; reports required; suspension of licenses, revocation of licenses, civil penalties, and other discipline; investigation of complaints; confidentiality; appeal and review; licensure fees; injunctions; exemptions; complaint disclosure; rules; violations; severability; severability; and a commercial financing database. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to make a conforming change. Effective immediately.

• Debbie Meyers-MartinD
• Kevin John OlickalD
• Norma HernandezD