SEC. 47.12. EXCESSIVE PRICE INCREASES AND EXCESS ACCUMULATION OF SUPPLIES FOR RESALE AT INFLATED PRICES DURING A DECLARED EMERGENCY.

epresent the interests of an aggrieved tenant(s), may institute civil proceedings as provided by law, against any person, business, or entity violating any of the provisions of this section and any person, business, or entity who aids or facilitates another to violate the provisions of this section. If the aggrieved person, or the person, organization, or entity who will fairly and adequately represent the interests of an aggrieved tenant(s), is the prevailing party under this section, the court shall award compensatory damages and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, and may award civil penalties up to $30,000 per violation depending upon the severity of the violation, tenant relocation costs, and other appropriate relief, as adjudged by the court. The remedies in this section are not exclusive nor do they preclude any person from seeking any other remedies, penalties, and damages, as provided by law. (k) Penalty. 1. Any person who shall be convicted of violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of up to $1,000 or by imprisonment in the County Jail for not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. 2. The City Attorney may also prosecute a civil action under applicable state law to enforce this section and in any action a civil penalty may be imposed as provided by law and where appropriate, restitution ordered to aggrieved persons. (l) This section shall be liberally construed so that its beneficial purposes may be served in protecting the public from excessive increases in the prices charged for certain housing, lodging, goods and services and in protecting against excessive accumulation of emergency supplies or medical supplies during the proclaimed or declared emergency. Any agreement or consent by a buyer, purchaser, lessee, or other similarly situated person to waive or modify their rights or protections under this section, if such agreement or consent is entered into or given after the effective date of the emergency declaration, shall be void as contrary to public policy. (m) Conflicts. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted or applied to create any power or duty in conflict with any federal or state law. (n) Severability.