(a) A person commits an offense if, without a license issued under this article, he:
(1) purchases regulated property from other than a manufacturer or authorized vendor for resale or salvage use; or
(2) operates a business establishment that purports to purchase regulated property from other than a manufacturer or authorized vendor for resale or salvage use.
(b) An application for a license must be made on a form provided by the chief. Each applicant must be qualified according to the provisions of this chapter.
(c) A person who wishes to purchase regulated property for resale or salvage use must sign the application as applicant. If the person is a legal entity, including but not limited to a corporation, partnership, association, or joint venture, each individual who has a 20 percent or greater interest in the business must sign the application for a license as an applicant. Each applicant must meet the requirements of Section 39B-8(a), and each applicant shall be considered a licensee if a license is granted.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that, at the time of the alleged offense, the person was purchasing regulated property for resale or salvage use under the specific authority of a valid license issued by the State of Texas or the United States government. A license must still be obtained under this section for those activities conducted by a dealer that are not specifically authorized by a state or federal license. (Ord. Nos. 17398; 20241; 21310)