The attorney general shall investigate and prosecute any violation of the provisions of this chapter relating to a legislative office, statewide office, or political committee and prosecute any violation thereof. In lieu of bringing a criminal action, the attorney general may elect to file a civil action. In a civil action, in addition to other relief, the court may impose a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars for each violation. Any civil penalty recovered shall be paid to the state general fund. A civil action brought by the attorney general shall be commenced in Hughes County or in the county where the person resides.

Source: SL 2007, ch 80 , § 35; SL 2008, ch 67 , § 14; SL 2017, ch 222 (Initiated Measure 22), § 25, eff. Nov. 16, 2016; SL 2017, ch 72 , § 24, eff. Feb. 2, 2017; SL 2017, ch 71 , § 37; SL 2018, ch 84 , § 10.