§ 15-16-5 — Complaint procedure; notice; equitable relief

(a) Any person, including a federal agency, may file a complaint with the Attorney General alleging that a state entity, local entity, or law enforcement agency has violated or is violating this article. The person shall include with the complaint any evidence the person has in support of the complaint.

(b) A state entity, local entity, or law enforcement agency for which the Attorney General has received a complaint pursuant to this section shall comply with any document requests, including a request for supporting documents, from the Attorney General relating to the complaint.

(c) If the Attorney General determines there is sufficient evidence that a local entity or law enforcement agency has violated or is violating the provisions of this article, the Attorney General may file a petition for declaratory or injunctive relief, mandamus, or other appropriate relief in Circuit Court for Kanawha County, or in the Circuit Court for a county in which the principal office of the entity or agency is located, against the entity or agency suspected of violating this article.

(d) If a court finds a state entity, local entity, or law enforcement agency has violated or is violating this article, the court shall enjoin the violation. The court shall have continuing jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter and may enforce its orders with contempt proceedings as provided by law.

(e) An order approving a consent decree or granting any relief under this section shall include written findings of fact that describe with specificity the existence and nature of the violation.

(f) In an appeal related to a suit brought under this section, the appellate court shall render its final order or judgment with the least possible delay.