(a) In any order in resolution of a disciplinary proceeding for suspension or revocation of a license, the Department may request the administrative law judge to direct a licensee found to have committed a violation or violations of the Act or this division to pay a sum not to exceed the reasonable costs of the investigation and enforcement of the case.

(b) A certified copy of the actual costs, or a good faith estimate of costs where actual costs are not available, signed by the Department's designated representative shall be prima facie evidence of reasonable costs of investigation and prosecution of the case. The costs shall include the amount of investigative and enforcement costs up to the date of the hearing, including, but not limited to, charges imposed by the Attorney General.

(c) The administrative law judge shall make a proposed finding of the amount of reasonable costs of investigation and prosecution of the case when requested pursuant to subsection (a). The Department may reduce or eliminate the cost award, or remand to the administrative law judge where the proposed decision fails to make a finding on costs requested pursuant to subsection (a).

(d) Where an order for recovery of costs is made and timely payment is not made as directed in the decision, the Department may enforce the order for repayment in any appropriate court. This right of enforcement shall be in addition to any other rights the Department may have to recover costs.

(e) In any action for recovery of costs, proof of the decision shall be conclusive proof of the validity of the order of payment and the terms for payment.

(f) Except as provided in subsection (g), the Department shall not renew or reinstate any license of a licensee who has failed to pay all of the costs ordered under this division.

(g) Notwithstanding subsection (f), the Department may, in its discretion, conditionally renew or reinstate for a maximum of one year the license of any licensee who demonstrates financial hardship and enters into a formal agreement with the Department for reimbursement within that one-year period for the unpaid costs.

(h) Nothing in this section shall preclude the Department from including recovery of the costs of investigation and enforcement of a case in any stipulated settlement.