§ 54-66-05 — Making a complaint - Summary dismissal of complaint

1. A complaint may be made to the commission orally or in writing. If a complainant does
not provide the complainant's name, address, and telephone number with the
complaint, the ethics commission may not investigate or take other action regarding
the complaint. The commission shall summarize each oral complaint in writing unless
the complaint must be disregarded under this section.
2. Upon receipt of a complaint or information regarding a violation, the commission may
summarily dismiss the complaint or decline to proceed with a complaint if the alleged
violation does not fall within the commission's jurisdiction, is insufficient to identify a
possible violation, or fails to comply with rules adopted by the commission. In lieu of
summary dismissal, the commission may refer the matter under section 54-66-08.
3. If a complainant would like the complainant's identity to remain confidential, the
commission may not release the complainant's name and address to the respondent
without the authorization of the complainant. If the complainant does not authorize
release of the complainant's name and address to the respondent, the statement of
the complainant may not be used as evidence of a violation.
4. If the commission receives an anonymous complaint that contains documentary or real
evidence of possible criminal conduct, the commission may refer the matter to the
appropriate law enforcement agency as provided under section 54-66-08, and may not
otherwise divulge the documentary or real evidence.