(a) In a civil action brought under Section 12989 or 12989.1, if the court finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the court may award the plaintiff or complainant actual and punitive damages and may grant other relief, including the issuance of a temporary or permanent injunction, or temporary restraining order, or other order, as it deems appropriate to prevent any defendant from engaging in or continuing to engage in an unlawful practice. The court may, at its discretion, award the prevailing party, other than the state, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, including expert witness fees, against any party other than the state.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commission is not liable for the attorney’s fees of parties to the administrative adjudication of cases brought before the commission, including proceedings under Sections 11523 and 12987.1 of this code and Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.