(a) If a respondent fails to comply with a conciliation agreement or fails to obey an order issued by the public hearing panel, the commission on human relations may request the city attorney to prosecute the respondent in a court of competent jurisdiction for violation of the terms of this chapter. The failure of a person to obey a subpoena issued pursuant to this chapter may be punished as a contempt of court. The commission shall render to the city attorney that assistance as requested in connection with any prosecution.
(b) The commission or a party may obtain an order of the court for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. The court may allow the prevailing party reasonable attorney’s fees and costs against the respondent. The court may also assess a civil penalty against the respondent in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for willful or repeated violations or refusal to comply with the order of the commission.
(1957 Rev. Ords., § 2.1807; 1972 Code, § 13-36; 1992 Code, § 21.5-36) (Ord. 2700, passed 8-17-1970; Ord. 55-76, passed 6-21-1976; Ord. 51-91, passed 6-10-1991)