Sec. 81.353. ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY. (a) The department may assess an administrative penalty if a person violates this subchapter or a rule adopted under this subchapter.
(b) In determining the amount of the penalty, the department shall consider:
(1) the person's previous violations;
(2) the seriousness of the violation;
(3) any hazard to the health and safety of the public;
(4) the person's demonstrated good faith; and
(5) such other matters as justice may require.
(c) The penalty may not exceed $500 for each month a violation continues.
(d) The enforcement of the penalty may be stayed during the time the order is under judicial review if the person pays the penalty to the clerk of the court or files a supersedeas bond with the court in the amount of the penalty. A person who cannot afford to pay the penalty or file the bond may stay the enforcement by filing an affidavit in the manner required by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure for a party who cannot afford to file security for costs, subject to the right of the department to contest the affidavit as provided by those rules.
(e) The attorney general may sue to collect the penalty.
(f) A proceeding to impose the penalty is considered to be a contested case under Chapter 2001, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1228, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.0251, eff. April 2, 2015.