Sec. 796.010. CIVIL PENALTY; INJUNCTION. (a) A person who knowingly violates this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter is subject to a civil penalty in the following amounts:
(1) if the person is a manufacturer, wholesale dealer, or agent knowingly selling or offering to sell a cigarette in violation of this chapter, a civil penalty not to exceed $100 for each pack of cigarettes sold or offered for sale, but not more than $100,000 for all violations occurring within a 30-day period;
(2) if the person is a retailer knowingly selling or offering to sell a cigarette in violation of this chapter, a civil penalty not to exceed $100 for each pack of cigarettes sold or offered for sale, but not more than $25,000 for all violations occurring within a 30-day period;
(3) if the person knowingly makes a false certification under Section 796.005, a civil penalty not to exceed $75,000 for a first violation or $250,000 for a second or subsequent violation; and
(4) if the person violates another provision of this chapter, other than Section 796.007(b), or another rule adopted under this chapter, a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for a first violation or $5,000 for a second or subsequent violation.
(b) If it appears that a person has violated, is violating, or is threatening to violate this chapter or a rule or order adopted under this chapter, the attorney general, as determined by the attorney general or on request of the state fire marshal, may bring a civil action in a district court for:
(1) injunctive relief to restrain the person from continuing the violation or threat of violation;
(2) the assessment of a civil penalty; or
(3) both injunctive relief and a civil penalty.
(c) A cigarette sold or offered for sale in violation of this chapter is subject to forfeiture under Chapter 154, Tax Code, except that before a forfeited cigarette may be destroyed, the true holder of the trademark rights in the cigarette brand must be permitted to inspect the cigarette.
(d) A civil penalty collected under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the fire prevention and public safety account.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 909 (H.B. 2935), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2009.
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