(a) A pawnbroker may, but is not required to, participate in the pawnshop employee license program by notifying the commissioner in writing on a form prescribed by the commissioner.
(a-1) A pawnbroker may submit a written notification to participate in the pawnshop employee license program under Subsection (a):
(1) at the time of the pawnbroker's original license application;
(2) at the time of a renewal of the pawnbroker's license; or
(3) at another time prescribed by the commissioner.
(a-2) A pawnbroker may notify the commissioner in writing of the pawnbroker's intention to no longer participate in the pawnshop employee license program at any time notification is permitted under Subsection (a-1). On receipt by the commissioner of a pawnbroker's notification under this subsection, the pawnbroker will no longer be a part of the pawnshop employee license program unless the pawnbroker resubmits a new notification for participation under Subsection (a-1).
(b) An individual who begins employment at a pawnshop for a pawnbroker that participates in the pawnshop employee license program under Subsection (a), as a condition of employment, must apply to the commissioner for a pawnshop employee license not later than the 75th day after the date employment begins. The individual may continue employment until the license is issued or denied.
(c) If a pawnbroker participates in the pawnshop employee license program under Subsection (a), the participating pawnbroker may not employ an individual to write a pawn transaction, buy or sell merchandise, or supervise another employee who writes pawn transactions or buys or sells merchandise unless the individual:
(1) has complied with Subsection (b) but has not been issued or denied a license; or
(2) holds a pawnshop employee license.
(d) Subsection (c) does not apply to an individual who:
(1) has an ownership interest in the pawnshop license; and
(2) is named on the application.
(e) Subject to Section 14.112, the Finance Commission of Texas shall adopt rules to administer the pawnshop employee license program.