(a) No railroad company shall employ in this state any telegraph operator to receive and transmit dispatches governing the movement of trains if such operator is less than 18 years of age, has not had at least one year's experience as a telegraph operator, and has not stood a thorough examination before the railroad superintendent or trainmaster and received a certificate of competency from such officer.

(b) A written record of the certificate shall be kept in the office of the officer issuing it and be subject to inspection at any time.

(c) Any railroad company violating this Code section shall be liable for a civil penalty of not less than $50.00 and not more than $500.00. Actions for the collection of penalties pursuant to this Code section shall be brought in the county where such violation occurs and shall be brought by the district attorney. All penalties collected pursuant to this Code section shall be paid into the general fund of the state treasury.