subtitle.
(b) Civil Penalty.--A person that violates this subtitle
may be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more
than $50,000 per violation.
(c) Penalty Considerations.--In determining the amount of a
civil penalty under this section, the Secretary shall
consider--
(1) the nature and circumstances of the violation;
(2) with respect to the person who commits the
violation, any history of prior violations, the ability
to pay the penalty, and any effect the penalty is
likely to have on the ability of such person to do
business; and
(3) any other matter that the Secretary determines
that justice requires.
(d) Notice and Opportunity for a Hearing.--No civil penalty
may be assessed under this subtitle unless the person liable
for the penalty has been given notice and an opportunity for a
hearing on the violation for which the penalty is to be
assessed in the county, parish, or incorporated city of
residence of that person.
(e) Delay in Application of Prohibition.--Paragraphs (1)
and (2) of subsection (a) shall apply on and after the date
that is 6 months after the date that the Secretary issues a
final rule implementing this subtitle.

SEC. 899G. [6 U.S.C. 488F] PROTECTION FROM CIVIL LIABILITY.

(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, an owner of an ammonium nitrate facility that in good
faith refuses to sell or transfer ammonium nitrate to any
person, or that in good faith discloses to the Department or to
appropriate law enforcement authorities an actual or attempted
purchase or transfer of ammonium nitrate, based upon a
reasonable belief that the person seeking purchase or transfer
of ammonium nitrate may use the ammonium nitrate to create an
explosive device to be employed in an act of terrorism (as
defined in section 3077 of title 18, United States Code), or to
use ammonium nitrate for any other unlawful purpose, shall not
be liable in any civil action relating to that refusal to sell
ammonium nitrate or that disclosure.
(b) Reasonable Belief.--A reasonable belief that a person
may use ammonium nitrate to create an explosive device to be
employed in an act of terrorism under subsection (a) may not
solely be based on the race, sex, national origin, creed,
religion, status as a veteran, or status as a member of the
Armed Forces of the United States of that person.

SEC