Rules, forms, orders, interpretative opinions and

hearings. A. The director may: (1) issue forms and orders and, after notice and comment, may adopt and amend rules necessary or appropriate to carry out the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act and may repeal rules, including rules and forms governing registration statements, applications, notice filings, reports and other records; (2) by rule, define terms, whether or not used in the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act, but those definitions shall not be inconsistent with that act; and (3) by rule, classify securities, persons and transactions and adopt different requirements for different classes. B. Pursuant to the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act, a rule or form shall not be adopted or amended, or an order issued or amended, unless the director finds that the rule, form, order or amendment is necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors and is consistent with the purposes intended by the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act. In adopting a rule, the director may use the director's own experience, technical competence, specialized knowledge and judgment. In adopting, amending and repealing rules and forms, Section 608 [58-13C-608 NMSA 1978] of the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act applies in order to achieve uniformity among the states and coordination with federal laws in the form and content of registration statements, applications, reports and other records, including the adoption of uniform rules, forms and procedures. C. Subject to Section 15(h) of the federal Securities Exchange Act and Section 222 of the federal Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the director may require that a financial statement filed pursuant to the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and comply with other requirements specified by rule adopted or order issued pursuant to the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act. A rule adopted or order issued pursuant to the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act may establish: (1) subject to Section 15(h) of the federal Securities Exchange Act and Section 222 of the federal Investment Advisors Act of 1940, the form and content of financial statements required pursuant to the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act; (2) whether unconsolidated financial statements shall be filed; and (3) whether required financial statements shall be audited by an independent certified public accountant. D. The director may provide interpretative opinions or issue determinations that the director will not institute a proceeding or an action pursuant to the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act against a specified person for engaging in a specified act, practice or course of business if the determination is consistent with that act. A rule adopted or order issued pursuant to the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act may establish a reasonable charge for interpretative opinions or determinations that the director will not institute an action or a proceeding. E. A civil or administrative penalty pursuant to the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act shall not be imposed for, and liability does not arise from, conduct that is engaged in or omitted in good faith believing that conduct conforms to a rule, form or order of the director pursuant to the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act. F. A hearing in an administrative proceeding pursuant to the New Mexico Uniform Securities Act shall be conducted in public unless the director for good cause consistent with that act determines that the hearing will not be so conducted.