By Zaffirini, et al. S.B. No. 18 76R1635 DLF-D A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1-1 AN ACT 1-2 relating to the authority of the attorney general to recover a 1-3 civil penalty from certain nursing homes and related institutions. 1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-5 SECTION 1. Section 242.065(a), Health and Safety Code, is 1-6 amended to read as follows: 1-7 (a) A person who violates or causes a violation of this 1-8 chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter is liable for a civil 1-9 penalty of not less than $1,000 or more than $20,000 for each act 1-10 of violation if the department determines the violation threatens 1-11 the health and safety of a resident. At the request of the 1-12 department, the attorney general may bring an action to recover a 1-13 civil penalty under this section. 1-14 SECTION 2. The importance of this legislation and the 1-15 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an 1-16 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the 1-17 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several 1-18 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended, 1-19 and that this Act take effect and be in force from and after its 1-20 passage, and it is so enacted.