Sec. 394.215. PRIVATE REMEDIES. (a) An agreement for debt management services between a consumer and a person that is not registered under this subchapter is void.
(b) A consumer is entitled to recover all fees paid by the consumer under a void agreement, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees.
(c) In addition to any other remedies provided by this subchapter, a consumer who is aggrieved by a violation of this subchapter, a rule adopted by the finance commission under this subchapter, or by any unfair, unconscionable, or deceptive act or practice may recover:
(1) actual damages;
(2) punitive damages for acts or practices under a void agreement; and
(3) the costs of the action, including reasonable attorney's fees based on the amount of time involved.
(d) An aggrieved consumer may sue for injunctive and other appropriate equitable relief to stop a person from violating this subchapter.
(e) The remedies provided in this section are not intended to be the exclusive remedies available to a consumer nor must the consumer exhaust any administrative remedies provided under this subchapter or any other applicable law.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 336 (S.B. 1112), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 5 - Protection of Consumers of Financial Services
Chapter 394 - Debtor Assistance
Subchapter C. Consumer Debt Management Services
Section 394.201. Purpose; Construction
Section 394.203. Applicability
Section 394.206. Bond; Insurance
Section 394.208. Required Actions by Provider
Section 394.209. Written Debt Management Services Agreement
Section 394.2095. Cancellation of Agreement by Either Provider or Consumer
Section 394.210. Permitted Fees
Section 394.2101. Adjustment of Amounts of Fees or Other Charges
Section 394.211. Trust Account
Section 394.212. Prohibited Acts and Practices
Section 394.213. Duties of Proper Management