(1) Any organization, association, or person, including a member of the commission, may make a complaint to the commission alleging violation of chapter 42.52 RCW or rules adopted under it. A complaint shall be made in writing on a form provided by the commission. A complaint may be made personally or by the complainant's attorney.

(2) Upon receipt of a complaint, the commission staff shall investigate and evaluate the allegations. The investigation shall be limited to the facts alleged in the complaint. On every complaint received, the commission staff shall make a written recommendation that there is or that there is not reasonable cause to believe that a violation of chapter 42.52 RCW or rules adopted under it has been or is being committed. The commission shall make a written determination whether there is reasonable cause based upon the complaint and the recommendation. A copy of the determination shall be provided to the complainant and to the respondent. If the determination concludes that there is no reasonable cause, a copy shall also be provided to the attorney general.

(3) Complaints pursuant to RCW 42.52.450 shall be investigated by the attorney general. As appropriate, pursuant to RCW 42.52.470, the commission may refer a complaint to the employing agency, the attorney general, or the prosecutor.