§ 5506

Administrative penalties; referral for criminal enforcement (a) The Secretary may assess the following administrative penalties for a violation of a provision of this chapter: (1) For a first offense, a person shall be assessed an administrative penalty of not more than $1,000.00 nor less than $400.00. (2) For a second offense or subsequent offense, a person shall be assessed an administrative penalty of not more than $4,000.00 nor less than $2,000.00. (b) Instead of bringing an environmental enforcement action for a violation of this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter, the Secretary may refer a violation of this chapter to the Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife for criminal enforcement under section 4518 of this title. (Added 2019, No. 169 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.)