(a) The department may assess an administrative penalty if a person violates this subchapter or a rule adopted under this subchapter.
(b) In determining the amount of the penalty, the department shall consider:
(1) the person’s previous violations;
(2) the seriousness of the violation;
(3) any hazard to the health and safety of the public;
(4) the person’s demonstrated good faith; and
(5) such other matters as justice may require.

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Terms Used In Texas Health and Safety Code 81.353

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Affidavit: means a statement in writing of a fact or facts signed by the party making it, sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths, and officially certified to by the officer under his seal of office. See Texas Government Code 312.011
  • Justice: when applied to a magistrate, means justice of the peace. See Texas Government Code 312.011
  • Month: means a calendar month. See Texas Government Code 312.011
  • Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
  • Rule: includes regulation. See Texas Government Code 311.005

(c) The penalty may not exceed $500 for each month a violation continues.
(d) The enforcement of the penalty may be stayed during the time the order is under judicial review if the person pays the penalty to the clerk of the court or files a supersedeas bond with the court in the amount of the penalty. A person who cannot afford to pay the penalty or file the bond may stay the enforcement by filing an affidavit in the manner required by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure for a party who cannot afford to file security for costs, subject to the right of the department to contest the affidavit as provided by those rules.
(e) The attorney general may sue to collect the penalty.
(f) A proceeding to impose the penalty is considered to be a contested case under Chapter 2001, Government Code.