(a)        An applicant for licensure shall file with the Commissioner a surety bond, or other items as set forth in subsection (f) of this section, in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the benefit of the Commissioner. An applicant whose current assets do not exceed current liabilities pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-89A-60(b) shall file an additional surety bond or other items set forth in subsection (f) of this section equal to or in excess of current liabilities less current assets.

(b)        The surety bond required by this section shall be in a form acceptable to the Commissioner, issued by an insurer authorized by the Commissioner to write surety business in this State, and maintained in force while the license remains in effect or any obligations or liabilities of the applicant, licensee or PEO previously licensed by this State remain outstanding.

(c)        The surety bond required by this section may be exchanged or replaced with another surety bond if (i) the surety bond applies to obligations and liabilities that arose during the period of the original surety bond, (ii) the surety bond meets the requirements of this section, and (iii) 90 days’ advance written notice is provided to the Commissioner.

(d)       Repealed by Session Laws 2013-413, s. 11.2(b), effective October 1, 2013.

(e)        Notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of the surety bond required by this section shall be provided to the Commissioner in writing at least 45 days before cancellation or nonrenewal.

(e1)      A surety bond may be cancelled by the issuer of the bond with respect to future obligations or liabilities upon proper notice pursuant to this section and without regard to approval or acceptance of the Commissioner.

(f)        In lieu of the surety bond required by this section, an applicant may submit to the Commissioner an irrevocable letter of credit in a form acceptable to the Commissioner issued by a financial institution, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or may maintain on deposit with the Commissioner an amount equal to the amount required under subsection (a) of this section in cash or in value of securities of the kind specified in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-5-20.

(g)        This section does not apply to persons who are licensed pursuant to the alternative licensing procedures set forth in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-89A-76 or to persons who are de minimis registrants pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-89A-75.

(h)        The license of any licensee that fails to provide and maintain a surety bond, letter of credit, cash, or securities pursuant to this section shall be automatically and immediately suspended, and the licensee shall tender its license to the Commissioner within three days of failure to satisfy this requirement. ?(2004-162, s. 1; 2005-124, s. 1; 2008-124, ss. 7.1, 7.2; 2009-552, s. 1; 2013-413, s. 11.1(b).)