Amend CSHB 22 (house committee report) as follows:
(1) On page 4, lines 12 and 13, strike the recital to SECTION 7 and substitute the following:
Section 571.176, Government Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
(2) On page 4, between lines 23 and 24, insert the following:
(a-1) The commission shall award to the respondent of a frivolous complaint:
(1) costs, reasonable attorney's fees, and other expenses incurred in defending against the complaint as justice and equity may require; and
(2) sanctions against the person who filed the complaint as the commission determines sufficient to deter the person from filing similar frivolous complaints.
(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].