1. (a) When an application is filed under this chapter, the commission shall investigate the applicant’s financial condition and responsibility, financial and business experience, character, and general fitness. The commission may conduct an on-site investigation of the applicant, the reasonable cost of which the applicant must pay. The commission shall issue a license to an applicant under this chapter if the commission finds that both of the following conditions have been fulfilled:

   1. (1) The applicant has complied with Sections 8-7A-6 and 8-7A-7.
   2. (2) The financial condition and responsibility, financial and business experience, competence, character, and general fitness of the applicant; and the competence, experience, character, and general fitness of the executive officers, managers, directors, and persons in control of the applicant indicate that it is in the interest of the public to permit the applicant to engage in money transmission.

2. (b) When an application for an original license under this chapter is determined by the commission to be complete, the commission shall promptly notify the applicant in writing of the date on which the application was determined to be complete, and:

   1. (1) The commission shall approve or deny the application within 120 days after that date.
   2. (2) If the application is not approved or denied within 120 days after that date, the application is approved, and the license takes effect as of the first business day after expiration of the 120-day period.
3. (c) The commission may for good cause extend the application period.

(Act 2017-389, §2.)