ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY.

(a) The commissioner, after notice and opportunity for hearing, may impose an administrative penalty on a person licensed under this chapter who violates this chapter or a rule or order adopted under this chapter.

(b) The amount of the penalty may not exceed $25,000 for each violation. The amount shall be based on:

(1) the seriousness of the violation, including the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation;

(2) the economic harm to property caused by the violation;

(3) the history of previous violations;

(4) the amount necessary to deter a future violation;

(5) efforts to correct the violation; and

(6) any other matter that justice may require.

(c) The enforcement of the penalty may be stayed during the time the order is under judicial review if the person pays the penalty to the clerk of the court or files a supersedeas bond with the court in the amount of the penalty. A person who cannot afford to pay the penalty or file the bond may stay the enforcement by filing an affidavit in the manner required by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure for a party who cannot afford to file security for costs, subject to the right of the commissioner to contest the affidavit as provided by those rules.

(d) The attorney general may sue to collect the penalty.

(e) An appeal of an administrative penalty under this section is considered to be a contested case under Chapter 2001, Government Code.