(a)        The Secretary may promulgate rules under this Article. Such rules may include, but are not limited to:

(1)        Definitions, including, but not limited to, more technical definitions of “certification authority” and “electronic signature”;

(2)        The creation, accreditation, bonding, licensing, operation, regulation, and sanctioning of certification authorities;

(3)        The imposition of licensing and renewal fees in amounts not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) per year; and

(4)        The imposition of civil monetary penalties for noncompliance with this Article or the rules promulgated thereunder.

(b)        Notwithstanding N.C. Gen. Stat. § 150B-21.1(a), the Secretary may adopt temporary rules to implement the certification authority technology provisions of this Article using the procedure for adoption of temporary rules under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 150B-21.1(a2).

(c)        The Secretary shall deposit licensing and renewal fees in the General Fund. (1998-127, s. 1.)