§ 44. Prosecution for penalties. 1. Whenever the commissioner shall know or have reason to believe that any penalty has been incurred by any person for a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, or of any other law the enforcement of which is within the jurisdiction of the department, or of the rules of the department, or that any sum has been forfeited by reason of any such violation, the commissioner may report the facts to the attorney general who may cause an action or proceeding to be brought in the name of the people for the recovery of the same. Such action may be brought in the county where the defendant resides or the violation, or any part thereof, occurred.

2. In an action for a penalty or forfeiture incurred by reason of the violation of the provisions of this chapter, or of any other law the enforcement of which is within the jurisdiction of the department, or of the rules of the department, when the complaint charges a violation of any two or more of such provisions, the plaintiff shall not be compelled to elect between the counts under such different provisions but shall be entitled to recover if it is found that a violation of any of such provisions has been committed for which a penalty or forfeiture is imposed.

3. If the defendant in such an action shall prove that during any portion of the time for which it is sought to recover penalties or forfeitures for a violation of a rule or order of the department, the defendant was actually and in good faith prosecuting a suit, action or proceeding before the department or in the courts to set aside such rule or order, the court shall remit the penalties or forfeitures incurred during the pendency of such action or proceeding.