(a) The Secretary may promulgate rules under this Article. Such rules may include, but are not limited to:
(1) Definitions, including, but not limited to, more technical definitions of "certification authority" and "electronic signature";
(2) The creation, accreditation, bonding, licensing, operation, regulation, and sanctioning of certification authorities;
(3) The imposition of licensing and renewal fees in amounts not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) per year; and
(4) The imposition of civil monetary penalties for noncompliance with this Article or the rules promulgated thereunder.
(b) Notwithstanding G.S. 150B-21.1(a), the Secretary may adopt temporary rules to implement the certification authority technology provisions of this Article using the procedure for adoption of temporary rules under G.S. 150B-21.1(a2).
(c) The Secretary shall deposit licensing and renewal fees in the General Fund. (1998-127, s. 1; 2025-25, s. 29(6).)