(a) A person who owns or operates a metal recycling entity and does not hold a license or permit required by a county, municipality, or other political subdivision as authorized under Section 1956.003(b) is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation. In determining the amount of the civil penalty, the court shall consider:
(1) any other violations by the person; and
(2) the amount necessary to deter future violations.
(b) A district attorney, county attorney, or municipal attorney may institute an action to collect the civil penalty provided by this section.
(c) Each day a violation occurs or continues to occur is a separate violation.
(d) The district attorney, county attorney, or municipal attorney may recover reasonable expenses incurred in obtaining a civil penalty under this section, including court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, investigative costs, witness fees, and deposition expenses.