19.579 Civil penalties.
(1) Except as provided in sub. (2), any person who violates this subchapter may be required to forfeit not more than $500 for each violation of s. 19.43, 19.44, or 19.56 (2) or not more than $5,000 for each violation of any other provision of this subchapter. If the court determines that the accused has realized economic gain as a result of the violation, the court may, in addition, order the accused to forfeit the amount gained as a result of the violation. In addition, if the court determines that a state public official has violated s. 19.45 (13), the court may order the official to forfeit an amount equal to the amount or value of any political contribution, service, or other thing of value that was wrongfully obtained. If the court determines that a state public official has violated s. 19.45 (13) and no political contribution, service, or other thing of value was obtained, the court may order the official to forfeit an amount equal to the maximum contribution authorized under s. 11.1101 (1) for the office held or sought by the official, whichever amount is greater. The attorney general, when so requested by the commission, shall institute proceedings to recover any forfeiture incurred under this section which is not paid by the person against whom it is assessed.
(2) Any person who violates s. 19.45 (13) may be required to forfeit not more than $5,000.
History: 2003 a. 39; 2007 a. 1 ss. 121, 130, 131; 2015 a. 117; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).