Sec. 15. Any certificate or permit or part owned, held, or obtained by the carrier may be sold, assigned, leased, bequeathed, or transferred as other property upon approval by the department. The department may inquire into the responsibility of the person obtaining or seeking to obtain ownership or control of any certificate or permit or part, the person’s readiness, ability, and willingness to perform the service proposed, and whether the proposed service, to the extent authorized by the certificate or permit, is or will be consistent with the public interest and the state transportation policy declared in this title. If the department finds the person to be irresponsible or unable to render satisfactory and adequate service under the certificate or permit or part, or if it finds that the transfer will not be consistent with the public interest, the department may enter an order denying the transfer, in whole or in part. However, a certificate or permit, or part, may not be sold, assigned, leased, bequeathed, or transferred except after a public hearing before the department and after notice as required for other hearings before the department.

As added by P.L.99-1989, SEC.13.