HB 0215 2003
1	A bill to be entitled
2	An act relating to the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992;
3	creating s. 760.021, F.S.; authorizing the Attorney
4	General to commence a civil action to obtain damages or
5	other relief for a civil rights violation under certain
6	circumstances; providing for attorney’s fees and costs;
7	providing an effective date.
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9	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
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11	Section 1. Section 760.021, Florida Statutes, is created
12	to read:
13	760.021 Enforcement.--If the Attorney General has
14	reasonable cause to believe that:
15	(1) Any person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern
16	or practice of discrimination as defined by the laws of this
17	state; or
18	(2) Any person or group of persons has been discriminated
19	against as defined by the laws of this state and such
20	discrimination raises an issue of general public importance,
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22	the Attorney General may commence a civil action in any
23	appropriate court for damages, injunctive relief, civil
24	penalties not to exceed $10,000 per violation, and such other
25	relief as may be appropriate under the circumstances. Any
26	damages recovered under this section shall accrue to the injured
27	person or group of persons. The Attorney General is entitled to
28	an award of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs if the
29	Department of Legal Affairs prevails in an action brought under
30	this section.
31	Section 2. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.
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