 |
Texas Statutes (Last Updated: January 4, 2014) |
 |
GOVERNMENT CODE |
|
Title 5. OPEN GOVERNMENT; ETHICS |
|
Subtitle B. ETHICS |
|
Chapter 571. TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION |
|
Subchapter F. ENFORCEMENT |
Sec. 571.176. CIVIL PENALTY FOR FRIVOLOUS OR BAD-FAITH COMPLAINT
-
(a) The commission may impose a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for the filing of a frivolous or bad-faith complaint. In this subsection, "frivolous complaint" means a complaint that is groundless and brought in bad faith or is groundless and brought for the purpose of harassment.
(b) In addition to other penalties, a person who files a frivolous complaint is civilly liable to the respondent in an amount equal to the greater of $10,000 or the amount of actual damages incurred by the respondent, including court costs and attorney fees.
(c) A person may file a sworn complaint with the commission, in accordance with Section 571.122, alleging that a complaint relating to that person filed with the commission is frivolous or brought in bad faith. A complaint may be filed under this subsection without regard to whether the complaint alleged to be frivolous or brought in bad faith is pending before the commission or has been resolved. The commission shall act on a complaint made under this subsection as provided by Subchapter E.