Sec. 72.043.  LIEN.  (a)  For the purpose of securing the payment of fees under Section 72.042 of this code, the department has a lien on all citrus fruit growing or standing on premises declared by the court to be a public nuisance.  The department may enforce the lien in the manner provided by either Subsection (b) or (c) of this section.
(b)  If no receiver has been appointed, the department may enforce the lien by selling at public sale to the highest bidder any fruit subject to the lien.  The sale shall be conducted at the courthouse door.  If a receiver has been appointed, the receiver shall conduct the sale.  Proceeds of the sale in excess of the amount owed to the department shall be paid to the owner of the premises or to the county treasurer subject to the order of the owner.
(c)  The department may fix the lien by filing the lien, a sworn statement of the indebtedness, and a description of the property subject to the lien with the county clerk of the county in which the premises are located.  The lien must be filed before the 31st day following the last day of action by the department under Section 72.042(g) of this code.  Within 24 months after filing the lien, the department shall file suit in a court of competent jurisdiction for collection of the account and foreclosure of the lien.  Neither the department nor any person to whom the account is assigned may be required to post a cost bond in that suit.  The court shall enter judgment for the debt with interest and costs of suit and foreclosing the lien on premises as the court determines necessary for defraying expenses, court costs, and the fees owed.
(d)  In an action under Subsection (c) of this section, the department may file a separate statement and separate suit covering each necessary action of the department to enforce compliance or may wait until a number accrue and file one statement and one suit covering all necessary actions.
(e)  A peace officer authorized by law to serve in the area in which the lien is enforced may perform the functions of the department under this section.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1169, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.