Texas Health and Safety Code 341.092 – Civil Enforcement
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(a) A person may not cause, suffer, allow, or permit a violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.
(b) A person who violates this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter shall be assessed a civil penalty. A person who violates a permitting or inspection requirement imposed under § 341.064(n) or a closure order issued under § 341.064(o) shall be assessed a civil penalty. A civil penalty under this section may not be less than $10 or more than $200 for each violation and for each day of a continuing violation.
Terms Used In Texas Health and Safety Code 341.092
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Injunction: An order of the court prohibiting (or compelling) the performance of a specific act to prevent irreparable damage or injury.
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Rule: includes regulation. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(c) If it is shown on the trial of the defendant that the defendant has previously violated this section, the defendant shall be assessed a civil penalty of not less than $10 or more than $1,000 for each violation and for each day of a continuing violation.
(d) If it appears that a person has violated, is violating, or is threatening to violate this chapter, a rule adopted under this chapter, a permitting or inspection requirement imposed under § 341.064(n), or a closure order issued under § 341.064(o), the department, a county, a municipality, or the attorney general on request by the district attorney, criminal district attorney, county attorney, or, with the approval of the governing body of the municipality, the attorney for the municipality may institute a civil suit in a district court for:
(1) injunctive relief to restrain the person from continuing the violation or threat of violation;
(2) the assessment and recovery of a civil penalty; or
(3) both injunctive relief and a civil penalty.
(e) The department is a necessary and indispensable party in a suit brought by a county or municipality under this section.
(f) On the department’s request, or as otherwise provided by this chapter, the attorney general shall institute and conduct a suit in the name of the state for injunctive relief, to recover a civil penalty, or for both injunctive relief and civil penalty.
(g) The suit may be brought in Travis County, in the county in which the defendant resides, or in the county in which the violation or threat of violation occurs.
(h) In a suit under this section to enjoin a violation or threat of violation of this chapter, a rule adopted under this chapter, a permitting or inspection requirement imposed under § 341.064(n), or a closure order issued under § 341.064(o), the court shall grant the state, county, or municipality, without bond or other undertaking, any injunction that the facts may warrant, including temporary restraining orders, temporary injunctions after notice and hearing, and permanent injunctions.
(i) Civil penalties recovered in a suit brought under this section by a county or municipality through its own attorney shall be equally divided between:
(1) the state; and
(2) the county or municipality that first brought the suit.
(j) The state is entitled to civil penalties recovered in a suit instituted by the attorney general.