(a) The commissioner may bring an action in the name of the people of this state in superior court to enjoin any violation of, to enforce compliance with, or to collect any penalty or other liability imposed under, any law subject to the jurisdiction of the commissioner. The commissioner may bring an action in the name of the people of this state in superior court to enjoin any violation of, to enforce compliance with, or to collect any penalty or other liability imposed under, any regulation promulgated under the power of the commissioner. The commissioner may bring an action in the name of the people of this state in superior court to enjoin any violation of, to enforce compliance with, or to collect any penalty or other liability imposed under, any (1) agreement entered into with the commissioner or (2) order issued by the commissioner. Upon a proper showing, a permanent or preliminary injunction, restraining order, or writ of mandate shall be granted, and a monitor, receiver, conservator, or other designated fiduciary or officer of the court may be appointed for the defendant or the defendant’s assets, or other relief may be granted as appropriate.
(b) A receiver, monitor, conservator, or other designated fiduciary officer of the court appointed by the court pursuant to this section may, with the approval of the court, exercise all of the powers of the defendant’s officers, directors, partners, trustees, or persons who exercise similar powers and perform similar duties. No action at law or in equity may be maintained by any party against the commissioner or a receiver, monitor, conservator, or other designated fiduciary or officer of the court by reason of his or her exercise of those powers or performing these duties pursuant to the order of, or with the approval of, the court.
(c) If the commissioner finds that it is in the public interest, the commissioner may include in any action authorized by subdivision (a) a claim for ancillary relief, including a claim for restitution, disgorgement, or damages on behalf of the person injured by the act or practice constituting the subject matter of the action, and the court shall have jurisdiction to award ancillary relief.
(d) Neither the provision of subdivision (a) that authorizes the appointment of a monitor, receiver, conservator, or other designated fiduciary or officer of the court nor any provision of subdivision (b) or (c) applies to any of the following:
(1) A licensee that is authorized by the commissioner to transact appropriate licensee business.
(2) A foreign (other state) or foreign (other nation) bank or credit union that maintains an office in this state in accordance with federal law, the law of this state, and the law of the bank or credit union’s domicile.
(e) The provisions of this section that authorize the commissioner to bring actions and seek relief are not intended to, and do not, affect any right that any other person may have to bring the same or similar actions or to seek the same or similar relief.
(Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 243, Sec. 2. (SB 664) Effective January 1, 2012.)