(a) Does this section apply to me? This section applies if you applied for a new money transmission or currency exchange license under Finance Code, Chapter 152, and you believe that the department failed to comply with the application processing times specified in Finance Code, §152.106.
(b) What does "promptly" mean for purposes of Finance Code, §152.106(a) and this rule? "Promptly" means on or before the 30th day after the date the department receives your application.
(c) May I file a complaint? Yes. If the department does not process your application for a new money transmission or currency exchange license within the time periods specified in Finance Code, 152.106, you may file a written complaint with the banking commissioner. The complaint must set out the facts regarding the delay and the specific relief you seek. The department must receive your complaint on or before the 30th day after the date the commissioner approves or denies your license application.
(d) How will the banking commissioner evaluate my complaint?
  (1) The department division responsible for complying with the applicable time period must submit a written response to the banking commissioner regarding your complaint that includes any facts on which the division relies to show that good cause existed for exceeding the applicable time period.
  (2) The banking commissioner will review your written complaint and the division's response. If the commissioner deems it necessary, a hearing may be held to take evidence on the matter.
  (3) The banking commissioner will determine, based upon your complaint and the division's response, if the department exceeded the applicable time period and, if so, whether the responsible division established good cause for the delay.
(e) When will the banking commissioner notify me of the decision? The banking commissioner will notify you of the decision regarding your complaint on or before the 60th day after the date the commissioner receives your written complaint. The commissioner's decision is final and may not be appealed.
(f) What happens if the banking commissioner decides in my favor? If the banking commissioner decides that the department exceeded the applicable time period without good cause, the department will reimburse you all of your application fees.
(g) Does the banking commissioner's decision regarding my complaint affect the decision on my application? No. A decision in your favor under this section does not affect any decision by the banking commissioner to grant or deny your license application. The decision to grant or deny your license application is based upon applicable substantive law without regard to whether the department timely processed your application.

Source Note: The provisions of this §33.15 adopted to be effective May 18, 2006, 31 TexReg 3869; amended to be effective January 4, 2018, 42 TexReg 7581; amended to be effective November 7, 2019, 44 TexReg 6522; amended to be effective November 16, 2023, 48 TexReg 6584