(a) In addition to any other remedy or penalty at law, when there is reason to believe that any person is violating or is about to violate this part, the Houston County Commission may initiate a civil action in the Circuit Court of Houston County in the name of the county against the person for preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, to prevent or enjoin the violation. The Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure shall apply to the extent that the rules are not inconsistent with this part except that no temporary restraining order shall be issued pursuant to this section. No bond shall be required of the county or county commission bringing the action and the official, the county commission, and the officers, agents, and employees of the county commission shall not be liable for costs or damages, other than court costs, by reason of injunctive orders not being granted or where judgment is entered in favor of the defendant by the trial or an appellate court.
(b) In any civil action brought pursuant to this section, the circuit court of the county shall assess all costs of enjoining the violation of this part, including all attorney fees, court costs, and all other expenses of litigation including, but not limited to, expert witness fees, against the person or persons found to be in violation of this part.
(c) The court shall hold the hearing on the preliminary injunction at the earliest possible time after service of the complaint and motion for preliminary injunction upon the defendant. The defendant shall be given an opportunity to present evidence prior to the issuance of any preliminary injunctions. It shall be the duty of the county commission at the hearing to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the violation is being or is about to be committed. The court shall then issue an order granting or denying the preliminary injunction at the earliest possible time after the conclusion of the hearing.
(d) The defendant may demand a trial on the merits to begin within 30 days after issuance or denial of the preliminary injunction. The finding of the court at the preliminary injunction stage shall not be binding upon the final order on the merits at trial on the permanent injunction. The court shall reserve the right to reconsider its preliminary findings based upon the evidence or testimony which may be introduced at trial. The defendant shall be given an opportunity to present evidence prior to the issuance of any permanent injunction. It shall be the duty of the county commission at trial to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the violation is being or is about to be committed. The court shall then issue an order granting or denying the permanent injunction at the earliest possible time after the conclusion of the trial.
(e) Upon finding a violation of this part, the court may impose additional civil penalties against the person or persons found to be in violation of this part in an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) per day.
(f) Nothing herein shall be deemed to authorize a prior restraint of speech in violation of the United States Constitution. Hearings and determinations required pursuant to this section shall take precedence over all other matters, and, in any event such hearings shall be held and determinations made within time limits mandated by the United States Constitution.
Last modified: May 3, 2021