49-31-96. Costs of commission proceedings may be assessed against company--Objection.

If the commission finds the company has committed a violation of §§ 49-31-89 to 49-31-97, inclusive, after holding a contested case proceeding or if allowed by § 49-31-95, the commission may assess the actual costs of the contested case proceeding or contacting subscribers to the telecommunications company. The assessment shall be limited to actual amounts expended by the commission for commission employee time, expert witnesses, court reporter fees, document and exhibit preparation, and other necessary and related expenses incurred by the commission. The telecommunications company may, within thirty days after the assessment is mailed, file written objections with the commission stating the grounds upon which it claims that the assessment is not reasonable. The commission shall within thirty days of receiving such objections hold a hearing and issue an order in accordance with its findings as to the proper amount to be assessed to the telecommunications company. The order may be appealed pursuant to chapter 1-26.

Source: SL 1999, ch 227, § 8.