ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY

(a) The commission may impose an administrative penalty on a person who: (1) violates Section 91.705 or 91.706 or a rule or order adopted under Section 91.705 or 91.706; or (2) knowingly destroys, breaks, removes, or otherwise tampers with, or attempts to destroy, break, remove, or otherwise tamper with, a cap, seal, or other device placed by the commission on an oil well, gas well, oil and gas well, or other associated oil or gas gathering equipment. (b) The amount of the penalty may not exceed $10,000 for each violation. The amount shall be based on: (1) the seriousness of the violation, including the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation; (2) the economic harm to property or the environment caused by the violation; (3) the history of previous violations; (4) efforts to correct the violation; and (5) any other matter that justice may require. (c) 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 commission to contest the affidavit as provided by those rules. (d) The attorney general may sue to collect the penalty. (e) A proceeding to impose the penalty is considered to be a contested case under Chapter 2001, Government Code. (f) A penalty imposed under this section is in addition to a forfeiture provided by law or a penalty imposed by the commission for contempt for violation of a commission rule or order.