205 ILCS 660/ Sales Finance Agency Act.

(205 ILCS 660/1) (from Ch. 17, par. 5201)

Sec. 1. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the Sales Finance Agency Act.

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 2062.)

(205 ILCS 660/2) (from Ch. 17, par. 5202)

Sec. 2. Definitions. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:

"Sales finance agency" means a person, irrespective of his or her state of domicile or place of business, engaged in this State, in whole or in part, in the business of purchasing, or making loans secured by, retail installment contracts, retail charge agreements or the outstanding balances under such contracts or agreements entered into in this State.

"Holder" of a retail installment contract or a retail charge agreement means the retail seller of the goods or services under the contract or charge agreement, or if the outstanding balances thereunder are purchased by or transferred as security to a sales finance agency or other assignee, the sales finance agency or other assignee.

"Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, or any other form of business association.

"Department" means the Department of Financial Institutions.

"Director" means the Director of Financial Institutions.

"Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act" and "Retail Installment Sales Act" refer to the Acts having those titles enacted by the 75th General Assembly.

"Retail installment contract" and "retail charge agreement" have the meanings ascribed to them in the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act and the Retail Installment Sales Act.

"Special purpose vehicle" means an entity that, in connection with a securitization, private placement, or similar type of investment transaction, is administered by a State or national bank under a management agreement for the purpose of purchasing, making loans against, or in pools of, receivables, general intangibles, and other financial assets including retail installment contracts, retail charge agreements, or the outstanding balances or any portion of the outstanding balances under those contracts or agreements.

"Net Worth" means total assets minus total liabilities.

(Source: P.A. 89-400, eff. 8-20-95; 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/3) (from Ch. 17, par. 5203)

Sec. 3. No person may engage in the business of a sales finance agency in this State without first obtaining a license as provided in this Act. A licensee under the Consumer Installment Loan Act may engage in the business of a sales finance agency without securing a license under this Act. A Consumer Installment Loan Act licensee engaged in the business of a sales finance agency is required to comply with this Act and violations of this Act may result in penalties, revocation of the licensee's authority to engage in sales finance agency activity, or revocation or suspension of the Consumer Installment Loan Act license.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/4) (from Ch. 17, par. 5204)

Sec. 4. After December 31, 1967, a person who is required to be licensed under this Act must display at each of his places of business a non-transferable and non-assignable license. A licensee who operates more than one place of business may obtain additional licenses upon compliance with this Act as to each place of business. Application for a license must be on a form prescribed and furnished by the Department. A licensee may move his place or places of business from one location to another within a county without obtaining a new license if he gives the Department at least 10 days' prior written notice of the relocation.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/5) (from Ch. 17, par. 5205)

Sec. 5. If a licensee fails to renew his or her license by the 31st day of December, it shall automatically expire and the licensee is not entitled to a hearing; however, the Director in his or her discretion, may reinstate an expired license upon payment of the annual renewal fee and proof of good cause for failure to renew.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/6) (from Ch. 17, par. 5206)

Sec. 6. A license fee of $300 for the applicant's principal place of business and $100 for each additional place of business for which a license is sought must be submitted with an application for license made before July 1 of any year. If application for a license is made on July 1 or thereafter, a license fee of $150 for the principal place of business and of $50 for each additional place of business must accompany the application. Each license remains in force until surrendered, suspended, or revoked. If the application for license is denied, the original license fee shall be retained by the State in reimbursement of its costs of investigating that application.

Before the license is granted, the applicant shall prove in form satisfactory to the Director, that the applicant has a positive net worth of a minimum of $30,000.

A licensee must pay to the Department, and the Department must receive, by December 1 of each year, the renewal license application on forms prescribed by the Director and $300 for the license for his principal place of business and $100 for each additional license held as a renewal license fee for the succeeding calendar year.

(Source: P.A. 92-398, eff. 1-1-02.)

(205 ILCS 660/6.1)

Sec. 6.1. All moneys received by the Department of Financial Institutions under this Act shall be deposited in the Financial Institution Fund created under Section 6z-26 of the State Finance Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-463, eff. 8-16-13.)

(205 ILCS 660/7) (from Ch. 17, par. 5207)

Sec. 7. The Department shall examine each licensee annually to determine if it is in compliance with this Act. The expense of this annual examination shall be paid to the Department by the licensee in accordance with a schedule of fees established by the Department as reasonably reflecting the actual cost of the examination.

In addition, the Department may charge all licensees in accordance with its schedule of fees for the examinations or re-examinations made pursuant to Section 11 of this Act. This expense and cost of examination is in addition to the license fees.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/8) (from Ch. 17, par. 5208)

Sec. 8. The Department may deny an application for a license, deny an application for renewal of a license, or suspend or revoke a license on any of the grounds listed in Sections 8.1 through 8.14 and the Financial Institutions Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-1014, eff. 8-9-24.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.1) (from Ch. 17, par. 5209)

Sec. 8.1. Material misstatement in the application or renewal, in any form prescribed by the Director for the renewal of a license, or in any amendment made to the application.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.2) (from Ch. 17, par. 5210)

Sec. 8.2. Violating or aiding any person in the violation of this Act or any rule or regulation promulgated by the Director.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.3) (from Ch. 17, par. 5211)

Sec. 8.3. Aiding or conspiring to aid any person in the violation of the Retail Installment Sales Act or of the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.4) (from Ch. 17, par. 5212)

Sec. 8.4. Except for an honest mistake, purchase of any retail contract, retail charge agreement, or evidence of indebtedness thereunder, that on its face violates this Act, the Retail Installment Sales Act or the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.5) (from Ch. 17, par. 5213)

Sec. 8.5. Purchase of any retail contract, retail charge agreement, or evidence of indebtedness thereunder after actual knowledge that the contract, agreement or evidence of indebtedness violates this Act, the Retail Installment Sales Act or the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act.

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 2062.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.6) (from Ch. 17, par. 5214)

Sec. 8.6. Use of collection process that violates any of the laws of this State with respect to garnishment, wage deduction orders or wage assignments.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.7) (from Ch. 17, par. 5215)

Sec. 8.7. (Repealed).

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 2062. Repealed by P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.8) (from Ch. 17, par. 5216)

Sec. 8.8. Conviction in a criminal matter or final judgment in a civil action of defrauding another person.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.9) (from Ch. 17, par. 5217)

Sec. 8.9. Fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment by the licensee of material facts that are required to be disclosed to a retail buyer under the Retail Installment Sales Act or the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.10) (from Ch. 17, par. 5218)

Sec. 8.10. Conducting business as a sales finance agency, bank, savings and loan association, consumer finance company, or credit union, under the laws of this or any other State or of the United States of America, when the license to conduct that business has been cancelled, revoked, suspended or denied for reasons other than failure to pay the required fees for that license.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.11) (from Ch. 17, par. 5219)

Sec. 8.11. Purchase of a retail installment contract creating or providing for a security interest in a motor vehicle that qualifies as consumer goods under the Uniform Commercial Code, or purchase of the evidence of indebtedness under such a contract, from a person who is not licensed under the Illinois Vehicle Code, not licensed under this Act, and not exempt from licensure under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.12) (from Ch. 17, par. 5220)

Sec. 8.12. Ownership by the applicant or licensee or by a shareholder, partner or beneficiary thereof of a substantial or controlling interest in the business of a retail seller from which it purchases any retail contracts, retail charge agreements or evidences of indebtedness unless the retail contracts, retail charge agreements or evidences of indebtedness used in the retail installment transaction provide expressly and prominently that all defenses of the retail buyer may be asserted equally against the sales finance agency and the retail seller involved in the transaction.

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 2062.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.13) (from Ch. 17, par. 5221)

Sec. 8.13. Failure to maintain a positive net worth of $30,000 without having access to sources of funding approved by the Director.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/8.14)

Sec. 8.14. Conviction of a felony. Conviction of a felony of any applicant or licensee, or of any partner, manager of a limited liability company, officer, or director of a sales finance agency.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/9) (from Ch. 17, par. 5222)

Sec. 9. (Repealed).

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 2062. Repealed by P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/10) (from Ch. 17, par. 5223)

Sec. 10. Denial, revocation, fine, or suspension of license.

(a) The Director may revoke or suspend a license or fine a licensee if the licensee violates any provisions of this Act.

(b) In every case in which a license is revoked or suspended, a licensee is fined, or an application for a license or renewal of a license is denied, the Director shall serve notice of his or her action, including a statement of the reasons for the action either personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested. Service by certified mail shall be deemed completed when the notice is deposited in the U.S. mail.

(c) An order revoking or suspending a license or an order denying renewal of a license shall take effect upon service of the order, unless the licensee requests, in writing, within 10 days after the date of service, a hearing. In the event a hearing is requested, the order shall be stayed until a final administrative order is entered.

(d) If the licensee requests a hearing, the Director shall schedule a hearing within 30 days after the request for a hearing unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.

(e) The hearing shall be held at the time and place designated by the Director. The Director and any administrative law judge designated by him or her shall have the power to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of books, papers, correspondence, and other records or information that he or she considers relevant or material to the inquiry.

(f) The costs for the administrative hearing shall be set by rule.

(g) The Director shall have the authority to prescribe rules for the administration of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 92-398, eff. 1-1-02.)

(205 ILCS 660/10.1) (from Ch. 17, par. 5224)

Sec. 10.1. The Department may suspend or revoke only the particular license with respect to which grounds exist, but if it finds that those grounds are of general application to all offices or to more than one office of the licensee, the Department shall suspend or revoke every license to which those grounds apply.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/10.2) (from Ch. 17, par. 5225)

Sec. 10.2. Closing of business; surrender of license. At least 10 days prior to a licensee ceasing operations, closing business, or filing for bankruptcy, the licensee shall:

(a) Notify the Department of its action in writing.

(b) With the exception of filing for bankruptcy, surrender its license to the Director for cancellation. The surrender of the license shall not affect the licensee's civil or criminal liability for acts committed prior to surrender or entitle the licensee to a return of any part of the annual license fee.

(c) The licensee shall notify the department of the location where the books, accounts, contracts, and records will be maintained and the procedure to ensure prompt return of contracts, titles, and releases to the customers.

(d) The accounts, books, records, and contracts shall be maintained and serviced by the licensee or another licensee under this Act, or an entity exempt from licensure under this Act.

(e) The Department shall have the authority to conduct examinations of the books, records, and loan documents at any time after surrender of the license, filing of bankruptcy, or the cessation of operations.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98; 90-575, eff. 3-20-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/10.3) (from Ch. 17, par. 5226)

Sec. 10.3. No suspension, revocation or surrender of a license issued under this Act impairs or affects the obligation of any retail installment contract, retail charge agreement or evidence of indebtedness acquired previously thereto by the licensee.

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 2062.)

(205 ILCS 660/10.4) (from Ch. 17, par. 5227)

Sec. 10.4. The Department may issue a new license to a licensee whose license has been revoked when facts or conditions which clearly would have warranted the Department in refusing originally to issue the license no longer exist.

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 2062.)

(205 ILCS 660/10.5) (from Ch. 17, par. 5228)

Sec. 10.5. (Repealed).

(Source: Laws 1967, p. 2062. Repealed by P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/10.6)

Sec. 10.6. Companion animals.

(a) No sales finance agency shall purchase:

(1) a retail installment contract for the sale of a canine or feline;

(2) a retail charge agreement for the sale of a canine or feline; or

(3) the outstanding balance under a retail installment contract or a retail charge agreement for the sale of a canine or feline.

(b) No sales finance agency shall make a loan secured by:

(1) a retail installment contract for the sale of a canine or feline;

(2) a retail charge agreement for the sale of a canine or feline; or

(3) the outstanding balance under a retail installment contract or a retail charge agreements for the sale of a canine or feline.

(c) Any sales finance agency that purchases a contract or agreement subject to subsection (a) or makes a loan subject to subsection (b) has no right to collect, receive, or retain any principal, interest, or charges related to the contract, agreement, or loan, and any such loan is null and void.

(d) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly shall apply prospectively and shall not apply retroactively. This Section shall not impair or affect the obligation of any retail installment transaction or secured loan entered into before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 102-128, eff. 1-1-22; 103-339, eff. 1-1-24.)

(205 ILCS 660/11) (from Ch. 17, par. 5229)

Sec. 11. For the purpose of discovering violations of this Act or securing information lawfully required by it, the Department may at any time investigate the business and examine the books, accounts, records, and files of any person acting as a sales finance agency without a license.

In connection with this investigation the Department may examine witnesses under oath and subpoena the production of books and papers pertinent to the investigation. The Director may administer oaths in these investigations or at any hearing held under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/12) (from Ch. 17, par. 5230)

Sec. 12. Every licensee shall retain such records as are required by the Department. Every licensee shall preserve the records of each of its transactions for at least 2 years after making the final entry for that transaction.

With the Director's approval, a licensee may maintain these records at a location other than the licensed facility.

With the Director's approval, a licensee may contract for servicing of these accounts.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/13) (from Ch. 17, par. 5231)

Sec. 13. Rules. The Department may make and enforce such reasonable rules, regulations, directions, orders, decisions and findings as the execution and enforcement of this Act require, and as are not inconsistent therewith. In addition, the Department may promulgate rules in connection with the activities of licensees that are necessary and appropriate for the protection of consumers in this State. All rules and regulations shall be sent electronically to all licensees.

(Source: P.A. 98-44, eff. 6-28-13.)

(205 ILCS 660/14) (from Ch. 17, par. 5232)

Sec. 14. All final administrative decisions of the Department shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to the "Administrative Review Law", and all amendments and modifications thereof, and any rules adopted pursuant thereto.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/15) (from Ch. 17, par. 5233)

Sec. 15. Any person who engages in business as a sales finance agency without the license required by this Act shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/15.5)

Sec. 15.5. Civil action. A claim of violation of this Act may be asserted in a civil action. Additionally, a court may award reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/16) (from Ch. 17, par. 5234)

Sec. 16. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 84-704. Repealed by P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/16.5)

Sec. 16.5. Cease and desist orders.

(a) The Director may issue a cease and desist order to a sales finance agency or other person doing business without the required license when, in the opinion of the director, the licensee or other person is violating or is about to violate any provision of this Act or any law, rule, or requirement imposed in writing by the Department.

(b) The Director may issue a cease and desist order prior to a hearing.

(c) The Director shall serve notice of his or her action, designated as a cease and desist order made pursuant to this Section, including a statement of the reasons for the action, either personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested. Service by certified mail shall be deemed completed when the notice is deposited in the U.S. mail.

(d) Within 15 days of service of the cease and desist order, the sales finance agency or other person may request, in writing, a hearing.

(e) The Director shall schedule a hearing within 30 days after the request for a hearing unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.

(f) The Director shall have the authority to prescribe rules for the administration of this Section.

(g) If it is determined that the Director had the authority to issue the cease and desist order, he or she may issue such orders as may be reasonably necessary to correct, eliminate, or remedy such conduct.

(h) The powers vested in the Director by this Section are additional to any and all other powers and remedies vested in the Director by law, and nothing in this Section shall be construed as requiring that the Director shall employ the powers conferred in this Section instead of or as a condition precedent to the exercise of any other power or remedy vested in the Director.

(i) The cost for the administrative hearing shall be set by rule.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/17) (from Ch. 17, par. 5235)

Sec. 17. Application of Act.

(a) This Act does not apply to any credit union, bank, banking association, trust company, savings bank, or savings and loan association authorized to do business under the laws of this State or of the United States.

(b) This Act does not apply to a person or entity that, in connection with a securitization, private placement, or similar type of investment transaction, lends against or purchases from an Illinois licensed sales finance agency retail installment contracts, retail charge agreements, or the outstanding balances or any portion of the outstanding balances under those contracts or agreements, provided that the licensed sales finance agency retains the servicing of the agreements or contracts and maintains the records for those agreements and contracts.

(c) This Act does not apply to a special purpose vehicle.

(Source: P.A. 89-400, eff. 8-20-95.)

(205 ILCS 660/18)

Sec. 18. Penalties. The Director may set by rule penalties for violations of this Act or rules promulgated under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/19)

Sec. 19. Injunction; civil penalty; costs. If it appears to the Director that a person has committed or is about to commit a violation of this Act, a rule promulgated under this Act, or an order of the Director, the Director may apply to the circuit court for an order enjoining the person from violating or continuing to violate this Act, the rule, or order and for injunctive or other relief that the nature of the case may require and may, in addition, request the court to assess a civil penalty up to $1,000 along with costs and attorney's fees.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)

(205 ILCS 660/20)

Sec. 20. Conformance with Department rule does not violate Act. No provision of this Act imposing any civil liability shall apply to any act done or omitted in conformity with any rule promulgated under this Act by the Department of Financial Institutions, notwithstanding that, after the act or omission has occurred, the rule or regulation is amended, rescinded, or determined by judicial or other authority to be invalid for any reason.

(Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)