Sec. 1103.553. CIVIL PENALTY FOR FILING FRIVOLOUS COMPLAINT. (a) A certified or licensed appraiser who files against another certified or licensed appraiser a complaint that the board determines to be frivolous is liable for a civil penalty.

(b) The amount of a civil penalty imposed under this section may not be less than $1,000 or more than $10,000.

(c) At the request of the board, the attorney general or a district or county attorney may bring an action in district court to recover a civil penalty under this section.

(d) A civil penalty recovered in an action brought under this section shall be deposited in the state treasury.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1421, Sec. 2, eff. June 1, 2003. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 106, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.