(a) Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not use a farm labor contractor to perform a farm labor contracting service unless the person ascertains that the farm labor contractor is licensed by:
(1) requesting confirmation from the Commissioner that the farm labor contractor is licensed; or
(2) examining the license.
(b) (1) Whenever a person makes a request under subsection (a)(1) of this section, the Commissioner shall inform the person whether the farm labor contractor is licensed.
(2) Within 5 working days after a person makes a request under subsection (a)(1) of this section, the Commissioner shall respond in writing.
(3) If the status changes during the term of the license, the Commissioner shall give the person who made the request written notice of the change.
(4) If the Commissioner fails to provide the notice required under this subsection, a person is not liable for hiring a person who is not authorized to perform farm labor contracting services in the State.
(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b)(4) of this section, a person may not hire or continue to use a farm labor contractor to perform a farm labor contracting service after the person receives notice from the Commissioner or otherwise learns that the farm labor contractor is not licensed.