Sec. 14.08.01.05. Procedure for Investigation of Complaints

A. Any person who alleges by written complaint a violation of any law regulating the sale of products made by blind persons may initiate an investigation by Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. The complaint shall be accompanied by documents, contracts, or other records relevant to the complaint to the extent that these written materials exist.

B. Upon receipt of a sworn and written complaint, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall cause to be conducted a preliminary investigation of any person alleged to have violated the law, and a notice of preliminary investigation shall be delivered to all persons subject to this investigation. This notice shall contain a brief statement of the complaint and the sections of the law alleged to have been violated.

C. After the preliminary investigation, the complainant and the person subject to investigation shall receive a written report of the investigation with an opinion as to any probable cause of a violation of the law.

D. If probable cause of a violation is disclosed by the preliminary investigation, then all persons, including the complainant, shall be required to attend an informal conference in the offices of BISM. All other interested parties to the investigation shall be invited to attend.

E. The informal conference shall be for the purpose of explaining the law and the rights or duties of the parties with respect thereto with the intention of adjusting the complaint.

F. If the informal conference fails to adjust the complaint, any party (including the representative of BISM) may request a hearing by sending a written request to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees within 25 days after the informal conference.

G. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall have the discretion to order a hearing upon his own motion at any time within 25 days following the informal conference.

H. A notice of hearing with a brief statement of the allegations and references to the appropriate sections of the law shall be delivered to all parties involved.

I. The time and place of the hearing may not be changed unless 7 days prior thereto written notice is delivered to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees with reasonable grounds therefor, and granted by the Chairman.