(a) If a person operates a ferry for hire over a body of water and does not hold a license required under this chapter, the person is liable to:
- (1) the county from which a license is required under this chapter; and
- (2) each person who holds a license to operate a ferry on the same body of water in that county.
- (b) The amount of liability to each person described by Subsection (a)(1) or (2) is $5 for each person transported and $5 for each article transported that is subject to a separate toll.
- (c) A suit under this section must be filed in a justice court of the county described by Subsection (a)(1).
- (d) A person described by Subsection (a)(1) or (2) who prevails in an action brought under this section is also entitled to recover costs of suit.
- (e) The county treasurer may file suit under this section on behalf of the county.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.