Sec. 501.036. INJUNCTION. (a) If it appears that a person has violated, is violating, or is threatening to violate this chapter or a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter, the commissioner may request the attorney general or a district, county, or city attorney of the county or municipality in which the violation has occurred, is occurring, or may occur to institute a civil suit for:

(1) an order enjoining the violation or an order directing compliance; or

(2) a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other appropriate order if the department shows that the person has engaged in, is engaging in, or is about to engage in a violation of this chapter or a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter.

(b) Venue for a suit brought under this section is in the county or municipality in which the violation occurred or in Travis County.

(c) The commissioner and either the attorney general or the district, county, or city attorney, as appropriate, may each recover from the violator reasonable expenses incurred in obtaining injunctive relief under this section, including investigative costs, court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, witness fees, and deposition expenses. Expenses recovered by the commissioner may be appropriated only to the department to administer and enforce this chapter. Expenses recovered by the attorney general may be appropriated only to the attorney general.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 360, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.