Sec. 651.555.  OPTIONS AFTER DECISION:  PAY OR APPEAL.  (a)  If an administrative penalty is assessed after a hearing conducted under Section 651.506, not later than the 30th day after the date the order is sent or a motion for rehearing is denied, the person charged shall:
(1)  pay the penalty;  or
(2)  without paying the penalty, file a petition for judicial review contesting the fact of the violation, the amount of the penalty, or both.
(b)  Not later than the 30-day period, a person who acts under Subsection (a)(2) must, if the penalty that the person wishes to contest is greater than $5,000:
(1)  post a supersedeas bond in a form approved by the commission for the amount of the penalty;  or
(2)  if the person cannot afford to pay the penalty or file the bond, file an affidavit in the manner required by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure for a person who cannot afford to file security for costs.
(c)  The commission may file a contest, as provided by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, to an affidavit filed under Subsection (b)(2).
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.389(b), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.