A Georgia licensee receives notice that the Georgia Real Estate Commission is investigating a complaint filed against her. She believes the complaint stems from a private civil dispute with a former client and is without merit. She refuses to produce her transaction records, arguing the complaint is frivolous. Which statement best describes the Commission's authority in this situation?

Correct Answer

B) The Commission may investigate and take disciplinary action on licensing matters even when the underlying facts also involve a private civil dispute between the parties.

The Georgia Real Estate Commission has independent authority to investigate and discipline licensees for violations of license law, regardless of whether the same facts also give rise to a private civil dispute. The Commission's mandate is to protect the public interest, and a parallel private lawsuit does not strip it of jurisdiction. Under O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 40, the Commission may act whenever there is evidence of a license-law violation.