(1) A reporting entity may informally dispute the authority's preliminary determination of a violation under this chapter.

(2) A reporting entity must submit a request for an informal dispute resolution conference to the authority in writing, in a manner that provides proof of receipt, within twenty-eight calendar days after receipt of the preliminary notice of violation and fine(s).

(3) Requests should specify:

(a) The name of the reporting entity requesting the informal dispute resolution conference and the reporting entity's, or representative's, mailing address, telephone number, and email address (if available);

(b) The items, facts, or conclusions in the preliminary notice of violation being contested; and

(c) The basis for contesting the authority's action, including any mitigating factors upon which the reporting entity relies and the outcome the reporting entity is seeking.

(4) If the agency grants the reporting entity's request for a dispute resolution conference, the conference occurs within sixty calendar days of the date the reporting entity received the authority's written acceptance of the request for a dispute resolution conference.

(5) The reporting entity must notify the authority of who will attend the dispute resolution conference on the reporting entity's behalf at least five business days before the conference.

(6) The authority may terminate the dispute resolution process at any time.

(7) Upon completion or termination of the informal dispute resolution process, the authority will issue a final notice of violation and fine(s).

(8) Nothing in this chapter prevents settlement discussions between the parties. All settlement discussions are informal and without prejudice to the rights of the participants in the discussions.