15 U.S.C. § 7804 — Actions by States

(a) In general (1) Civil actions If a State^* attorney general has reason to believe that an interest of the State’s residents has been harmed, is threatened, or is adversely affected by an athlete agent’s practice that violates section 7802 of this title, the State may bring a civil action for those residents in an appropriate United States district court to—(A) stop that practice; (B) enforce this chapter; or (C) obtain damages, restitution, or other compensation for the State’s residents. (2) Notice (A) In general Before filing an action under paragraph (1), the State attorney general must give the Commission^* written notice of the action and a copy of the complaint. (B) Exemption The notice requirement in subparagraph (A) does not apply if the attorney general decides that giving notice before filing is not feasible. In that case, the attorney general must give the Commission the notice and a copy of the complaint when the attorney general files the action. (b) Intervention (1) In general After receiving notice under subsection (a)(2), the Commission has the right to intervene in the action described in the notice. (2) Effect of intervention If the Commission intervenes in an action under subsection (a), it has the right—(A) to be heard on any matter that arises in the action; and (B) to file an appeal petition. (c) Construction For a civil action under subsection (a), nothing in this chapter may be read to prevent a State attorney general from using powers given by the State’s laws to—(1) conduct investigations; (2) administer oaths or affirmations; or (3) compel witnesses to attend or require the production of documents and other evidence. (d) Actions by the Commission If the Commission brings an action, or an action is brought for it, for a violation of section 7802 of this title, no State may, while that action is pending, bring an action under subsection (a) against a defendant named in the Commission’s complaint. (e) Venue An action under subsection (a) may be brought in the United States district court that meets the applicable venue requirements under section 1391 of title 28. (f) Service of process In an action under subsection (a), legal papers may be served in any district where the defendant—(1) lives; or (2) may be found.