Sec. 301.132. PATTERN OR PRACTICE CASE. (a) On the request of the commission, the attorney general may file a civil action in district court for appropriate relief if the commission has reasonable cause to believe that:
(1) a person is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of a right granted under this chapter; or
(2) a person has been denied a right granted by this chapter and that denial raises an issue of general public importance.
(b) In an action under this section the court may:
(1) award preventive relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order against the person responsible for a violation of this chapter as necessary to assure the full enjoyment of the rights granted by this chapter;
(2) award other appropriate relief, including monetary damages, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs; and
(3) to vindicate the public interest, assess a civil penalty against the respondent in an amount that does not exceed:
(A) $50,000 for a first violation; and
(B) $100,000 for a second or subsequent violation.
(c) A person may intervene in an action under this section if the person is:
(1) a person aggrieved by the discriminatory housing practice; or
(2) a party to a conciliation agreement concerning the discriminatory housing practice.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 40, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
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