§ 17-15-203 — Duties and powers

(a) (1) The Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers shall make such rules as may be desirable or necessary for the performance of its duties and for carrying out the purposes of this chapter, § 17-35-101 et seq., and § 17-36-101 et seq. (2) The board may bring suit in its proper name to enforce, or restrain the violation of, any provision of this chapter, § 17-35-101 et seq., and § 17-36-101 et seq. (b) (1) In carrying into effect the provisions of this chapter, § 17-35-101 et seq., and § 17-36-101 et seq., the board, under the hand of its president and the seal of the board, may: (A) Subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance; and (B) Require the production of books, papers, documents, etc., in a case involving revocation of registration. (2) The president or the secretary may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before the board. (3) (A) If a person refuses to obey a subpoena issued by the board or refuses to testify or produce books, papers, or other documents, the board may present its petition to a court of record, setting forth the facts. (B) The court shall, in a proper case, issue its subpoena to the person requiring his or her attendance before the court to testify or produce the books, papers, and documents as may be deemed necessary and pertinent. (C) A person failing or refusing to obey the subpoena or order of the court may be proceeded against in the same manner as for refusal to obey any other subpoena. (c) The board or a committee thereof is entitled to the services of the Attorney General and the services of the prosecuting attorneys for the county and district in which enforcement is required. The board may employ legal advice necessary for the proper conduct of its affairs. (d) (1) Once a complaint has been received in the office of the board, the board shall send notice in accordance with § 25-15-208(a)(2) to the person or entity allegedly committing the violation informing the person or entity that if the person or entity fails to respond to the notice, the board will hold a hearing on the alleged violation. The board shall take appropriate action upon receiving the reply. (2) (A) (i) After providing notice and a hearing, the board may levy civil penalties, in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation, against those individuals or entities found to be in violation of this chapter, § 17-35-101 et seq., § 17-36-101 et seq., or rules promulgated thereunder. (ii) All revenue received under this section shall be deposited into one (1) or more financial institutions in the state and shall be used for the purposes of defraying the expenses of the board as required for carrying out the provisions of this chapter, § 17-35-101 et seq., and § 17-36-101 et seq. (iii) These penalties shall be in addition to other penalties that may be imposed by the board under this chapter, § 17-35-101 et seq., or § 17-36-101 et seq. (iv) Unless the penalty assessed under this section is paid within fifteen (15) days following the date for an appeal from the order, the board shall have the power to file suit in the Pulaski County Circuit Court to obtain a judgment for the amount of penalty not paid. (B) All actions taken by the board shall comply with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.

Legislative History

Acts 1941, No. 270, § 3; 1957, No. 219, § 1; 1959, No. 157, § 2; 1969, No. 334, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 71-303; Acts 1993, No. 578, § 2; 1999, No. 1338, § 2; 2009, No. 1367, § 7.