Sec. 1956.004.  CIVIL PENALTY.  (a)  A person who owns or operates a metal recycling entity and does not hold a license or permit required by a county, municipality, or other political subdivision as authorized under Section 1956.003(b) is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation.  In determining the amount of the civil penalty, the court shall consider:
(1)  any other violations by the person; and
(2)  the amount necessary to deter future violations.
(b)  A district attorney, county attorney, or municipal attorney may institute an action to collect the civil penalty provided by this section.
(c)  Each day a violation occurs or continues to occur is a separate violation.
(d)  The district attorney, county attorney, or municipal attorney may recover reasonable expenses incurred in obtaining a civil penalty under this section, including court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, investigative costs, witness fees, and deposition expenses.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1234 (S.B. 694), Sec. 4, eff. March 1, 2012.