(a) No commission member or alternate shall make, participate in making, or any other way attempt to use their official position to influence a commission decision about which the member or alternate has knowingly had an ex parte communication that has not been reported pursuant to Section 30324.
(b) In addition to any other applicable penalty, including a civil fine imposed pursuant to Section 30824, a commission member who knowingly violates this section shall be subject to a civil fine, not to exceed seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500). Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the court may award attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party.