(A) Except to the Commission and either party involved in a verified complaint, any and all documents submitted to or created by the Commission, or copies thereof, regarding an allegation of discrimination asserted in said verified complaint shall remain confidential documents until such time as the matter is transferred to either a court of competent jurisdiction or to the State Commission of Human Rights.
(B) Within 5 calendar days following the 15-day wait period, or following any period of extension granted by the Commission Chairperson to allow for a respondent to submit a completed verification response form, the Commission shall meet and proceed in good faith to investigate a verified complaint and verified answer to determine whether there is probable cause to support any allegations of discriminatory or unfair practice.
(C) If the respondent does not wish to submit a verified response form, probable cause shall be determined with regard to the information available to the Commission.
(D) The Commission may request the complainant and/or the respondent to appear before the Commission for a pre-determination conference if deemed necessary by the Commission.
(E) Upon the completion of any investigation of discriminatory or unfair practice by the Commission, the Commission shall promptly serve a notice of determination of probable cause, by personal service or registered or certified mail, unto both parties. Additionally, referrals to appropriate state regulatory bodies and other relevant resources that may help to remedy the matter may be sent along with the notice of determination of probable cause.
(F) The Commission shall keep for record any and all documents, or copies thereof, regarding an allegation of discrimination asserted in a verified complaint form submitted to the Commission. Both parties shall be permitted to inspect any documents not prepared by the Commission in the possession of the Commission that are relevant to the determination of probable cause upon request.
(Ord. 1377, passed 6-18-2018; Am. Ord. 1399, passed 3-18-2019)