Sec. 14.03.01.15. Special Provisions for the Commission-Initiated Complaints

A. The Commission may make and file a complaint in its name in the same manner as if the complaint had been filed by an individual or individuals, when it has received reliable information that any person has been engaged or is engaged in an unlawful discriminatory practice in violation of State Government Article, Title 20, Annotated Code of Maryland.

B. Initiation of Commission Complaints.

(1) Upon receipt by the Commission of reliable information that a person is engaged, or has been engaged, in unlawful discriminatory practices warranting the initiation of a Commission complaint, the Executive Director or designee shall present the information in writing to the Commission chairperson for consideration.

(2) If, in the judgment of the chairperson, a preliminary investigation is warranted, the chairperson shall direct the Executive Director to undertake such an investigation.

(3) Upon completion of the investigation the Executive Director shall forward to the general counsel a written summary of the investigation together with instructions to prepare a formal Commission complaint.

(4) The general counsel shall forward this complaint to the Executive Director who shall present the complaint to the chairperson for authorization by three Commissioners which, upon this authorization, shall constitute a Commission complaint.

(5) If the Commission authorizes a complaint under this section, it shall be forwarded to the Executive Director for processing in accordance with these regulations as otherwise applicable to complaints filed.