(a) The commissioner may bring civil actions to enforce this article in the circuit court of Kanawha County or the county in which the violation occurred and seek civil penalties. If, after notice and a hearing, the court finds that a person has violated this article, a rule adopted under this article, or an order of the commissioner issued under this article, the court may order the person to pay to the state a civil penalty. The amount of a civil penalty under this section may not exceed $5,000 for each violation or, in the case of a continuing violation, up to $5,000 for each day that the violation continues. A civil penalty assessed may be collected from the bond required under section ten of this article.

(b) In addition to the authority granted in subsection (a) of this section, the commissioner may by administrative assessment impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000 upon any person he or she believes has violated this article, a rule promulgated under this article, any other law or rule the commissioner is authorized to enforce with respect to persons licensed under this article, or a prior order of the commissioner. For purposes of this subsection, each separate violation is subject to the penalty herein prescribed and, in the case of a continuing violation, a penalty of up to $5,000 may be assessed for each day the violation continues. Any penalty imposed under this subsection may be contested by the licensee pursuant to article five, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code. A civil penalty assessed under this subsection may be collected from the bond required under section ten of this article.