RECOVERY OF COSTS.

(a) The department may assess reasonable expenses and costs against a person in an administrative hearing if, as a result of the hearing, the person's license is denied, suspended, or revoked or if administrative penalties are assessed against the person. The person shall pay expenses and costs assessed under this subsection not later than the 30th day after the date a department order requiring the payment of expenses and costs is final. The department may refer the matter to the attorney general for collection of the expenses and costs.

(b) If the attorney general brings an action against a person under Section 245.013 or 245.015 or an action to enforce an administrative penalty assessed under Section 245.017 and an injunction is granted against the person or the person is found liable for a civil or administrative penalty, the attorney general may recover, on behalf of the attorney general and the department, reasonable expenses and costs.

(c) For purposes of this section, "reasonable expenses and costs" include expenses incurred by the department and the attorney general in the investigation, initiation, or prosecution of an action, including reasonable investigative costs, attorney's fees, witness fees, and deposition expenses.