If a hearing results in a $2,500 fine for a licensee, to whom should they appeal the decision if they choose to do so?

The appropriate course of action for a licensee who wishes to appeal a fine resulting from a hearing is to address their appeal to the Executive Director of the Department of Commerce. This is because the Department of Commerce oversees various regulatory functions, including those related to licensing and compliance for professionals in the financial sector, such as personal lenders and mortgage brokers.

The Executive Director has the authority to review decisions made by subordinate bodies or divisions and can provide a platform for reconsideration of the imposed penalties. This serves as a first step in the appeals process within the administrative framework before considering further legal options, such as court appeals, if necessary.

Other options, such as the courts or the state legislature, do not play a direct role in the administrative appeals process for regulatory decisions like this one. The Division of Real Estate could be relevant in a different context but typically does not serve as an appellate body for decisions made by the Department of Commerce. Thus, appealing to the Executive Director is the proper channel for addressing such fines and ensures adherence to the established regulatory framework.