17-1773.   Same; violations of act; civil penalty; disposition of penaltiesrecovered.(a) The commission of any act or practice declared to be a violation ofthis act shall render the violator liable to the aggrieved contributor, or thestate or a county as provided in subsection (c), for the payment of a civilpenalty, in a sum set by the court of not more than$10,000 for eachviolation. An aggrieved contributor is not a required party in actionsbrought by the attorney general or a county or district attorney pursuant tothis act.

      (b)   Any person who willfully violates the terms of any injunction orcourt order issued pursuant to this act shall forfeit and pay a civilpenalty of not more than $20,000 per violation, inaddition to otherpenalties that may be imposed by the court, as the court shall deemnecessary and proper. For the purposes of this act, the district courtissuing an injunction shall retain jurisdiction, and in such cases, theattorney general, acting in the name of the state or the appropriate countyattorney or district attorney may petition for recovery of civil penalties.

      (c)   In administering and pursuing actions under this act, the attorneygeneral and the county attorney or district attorney are authorized to suefor and collect reasonable expenses and investigation fees as determined bythe court. Civil penalties or contempt penalties sued for and recovered bythe attorney general shall be paid into the general fund of the state.Civil penalties and contempt penalties sued for and recovered by the countyattorney or district attorney shall be paid into the general fund of thecounty where the proceedings were instigated.

      History:   L. 1988, ch. 96, § 15;L. 2001, ch. 105, § 3; July 1.