(1) (a) The commissioner may impose a civil penalty on any person who violates any provision of this article or any rule adopted under this article or under section 35-1-107 (5). Such penalty shall not exceed seven hundred fifty dollars per day per violation.
(b) Before imposing a civil penalty, the commissioner may consider the effect of such penalty on the ability of the violator to stay in business.
The commissioner shall not impose a civil penalty unless the person charged is givennotice and an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to the "State Administrative Procedure Act", article 4 of title 24, C.R.S.
If the commissioner is unable to collect, or if any person fails to pay, all or anyportion of a civil penalty imposed pursuant to this section, the commissioner may recover the amount of the penalty, plus costs and attorney fees, by action in a court of competent jurisdiction.
All moneys collected pursuant to this section shall be transmitted to the state treasurer, who shall credit the same to the inspection and consumer services cash fund created in section 35-1-106.5.
Source: L. 67: p. 326, § 8. C.R.S. 1963: § 6-17-8. L. 2003: Entire section amended, p. 1727, § 9, effective May 14. L. 2005: (4) amended, p. 1270, § 8, effective July 1. L. 2007: (4) amended, p. 1904, § 6, effective July 1.