INITIATION OF ACTION; CONSENT REQUIRED FOR DISMISSAL

(a) A person bringing an action under this subchapter shall serve a copy of the petition and a written disclosure of substantially all material evidence and information the person possesses on the attorney general in compliance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. (b) The petition shall be filed in camera and, except as provided by Subsection (c-1) or (d), shall remain under seal until at least the 180th day after the date the petition is filed or the date on which the state elects to intervene, whichever is earlier. The petition may not be served on the defendant until the court orders service on the defendant. (c) The state may elect to intervene and proceed with the action not later than the 180th day after the date the attorney general receives the petition and the material evidence and information. (c-1) At the time the state intervenes, the attorney general may file a motion with the court requesting that the petition remain under seal for an extended period. (d) The state may, for good cause shown, move the court to extend the 180-day deadline under Subsection (b) or (c). A motion under this subsection may be supported by affidavits or other submissions in camera. (e) An action under this subchapter may be dismissed only if the court and the attorney general consent in writing to the dismissal and state their reasons for consenting.