(a) The commissioner may, after notice and hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, impose a civil penalty on any person who (1) engages in or practices the work for which a certificate of registration is required by sections 20-417a to 20-417j , inclusive, without having first obtained such a certificate of registration, (2) engages in or practices any of the work for which a certificate of registration is required by sections 20-417a to 20-417j , inclusive, after the expiration of such person's certificate of registration, or (3) violates any of the provisions of sections 20-417a to 20-417j , inclusive, or the regulations adopted pursuant to said sections.
(b) Such civil penalty shall not exceed (1) five hundred dollars for a first violation, (2) seven hundred fifty dollars for a second violation occurring not more than three years after a prior violation, and (3) one thousand five hundred dollars for a third or subsequent violation occurring not more than three years after a prior violation.
(c) Any civil penalty collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the consumer protection enforcement account established in section 21a-8a .