(a)
In lieu of levying a civil penalty pursuant to Section 19447, and in lieu of seeking prosecution, upon complaint of the secretary, the Attorney General may bring an action for civil penalties in any court of competent jurisdiction in this state against any person who violates Article 6 (commencing with Section 19300), Article 6.5 (commencing with Section 19310), or any regulation adopted pursuant to those articles. The civil penalty imposed shall not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each violation.
(b)
Any funds recovered by the secretary pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Department of Food and Agriculture Fund, and upon appropriation by the Legislature,
shall be used for the purposes described in Section 221.