§29-19-15b. Civil penalty for intentional violations.

In any action brought pursuant to the provisions of this article, if the court finds that intentional violations have occurred, the state, upon petition to the court and in addition to any damages awarded any party or parties, may recover attorney fees and a civil penalty not exceeding three times the amount collected in that civil action. Of any funds recovered as provided for in this section and any other funds recovered by the state as the result of an award for damages, penalties or settlements in enforcing this article, one-half shall be deposited in the state General Revenue Fund and one-half shall be deposited in the service fees and collections account established by section two, article one, chapter fifty-nine of this code for the operations of the office of the Secretary of State. Any balance remaining on June 30, 2001, in the existing special revenue account entitled "charitable organization fund" as established by chapter thirty-four, acts of the Legislature, 1992 regular session, shall be transferred to the service fees and collections account established by section two, article one, chapter fifty-nine of this code for the operation of the office of the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall dedicate sufficient resources from that fund or other funds to provide the services required in this article.