Sec. 554.008. CIVIL PENALTY. (a) A supervisor who in violation of this chapter suspends or terminates the employment of a public employee or takes an adverse personnel action against the employee is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $15,000.
(b) The attorney general or appropriate prosecuting attorney may sue to collect a civil penalty under this section.
(c) A civil penalty collected under this section shall be deposited in the state treasury.
(d) A civil penalty assessed under this section shall be paid by the supervisor and may not be paid by the employing governmental entity.
(e) The personal liability of a supervisor or other individual under this chapter is limited to the civil penalty that may be assessed under this section.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 721, Sec. 8, eff. June 15, 1995.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics
Chapter 554 - Protection for Reporting Violations of Law
Section 554.002. Retaliation Prohibited for Reporting Violation of Law
Section 554.003. Relief Available to Public Employee
Section 554.0035. Waiver of Immunity
Section 554.004. Burden of Proof; Presumption; Affirmative Defense
Section 554.005. Limitation Period
Section 554.006. Use of Grievance or Appeal Procedures
Section 554.007. Where Suit Brought
Section 554.008. Civil Penalty
Section 554.009. Notice to Employees
Section 554.010. Audit of State Governmental Entity After Suit