Section 37.278 - Violation of provisions of act as misdemeanor; civil action; injunction; damages; written demand and documentation; jurisdiction; affirmative defense(1) A person who violates section 3 or 4 is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00.(2) An individual who is the subject of a violation of this act may bring a civil action to enjoin a violation of section 3 or 4 and may recover not more than $1,000.00 in damages plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs. Not later than 60 days before filing a civil action for damages or 60 days before adding a claim for damages to an action seeking injunctive relief, the individual shall make a written demand of the alleged violator for not more than $1,000.00. The written demand shall include reasonable documentation of the violation. The written demand and documentation shall either be served in the manner provided by law for service of process in civil actions or mailed by certified mail with sufficient postage affixed and addressed to the alleged violator at his or her residence, principal office, or place of business. An action under this subsection may be brought in the district court for the county where the alleged violation occurred or for the county where the person against whom the civil complaint is filed resides or has his or her principal place of business.(3) It is an affirmative defense to an action under this act that the employer or educational institution acted to comply with requirements of a federal law or a law of this state.Added by 2012, Act 478,s 8, eff. 12/28/2012.