Sec. 571.142. LIABILITY FOR RESPONDENT'S COSTS. (a) This section applies only to a sworn complaint if:

(1) the complaint was filed after the 30th day before the date of an election;

(2) the respondent is a candidate in the election; and

(3) the complaint alleges a violation other than a technical or clerical violation.

(b) If, in disposing of a sworn complaint to which this section applies, the commission determines that a violation within the commission's jurisdiction has not occurred, the complainant is liable for the respondent's reasonable and necessary attorney's fees and other costs incurred in defending against the complaint.

(c) This section does not apply to a sworn complaint regarding a reporting omission required by law.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 604 (H.B. 677), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.