1. (a) A final judgment granting or denying relief under the Consumer Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1601 et seq.) bars a subsequent action under Section 349.001, 349.002, or 349.003 by the same obligor with respect to the same violation.

2. (b) If an obligor brings an action under the Consumer Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1601 et seq.) against a person after a final judgment has been rendered under Section 349.001, 349.002, or 349.003 in favor of the obligor against that person with respect to the same violation, that person in the same or an independent action may sue that obligor to recover:

   1. (1) the amount of the judgment rendered under Section 349.001, 349.002, or 349.003; and
   2. (2) reasonable attorney's fees set by the court.

Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.