Based on a complaint filed with it, information provided in
public disclosure statements or developed in connection with a request
for an advisory opinion, or on its own review of any other information
available to it, the Commission may investigate possible violations
of this chapter.
If the Commission finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a covered person may have committed a criminal offense, such as bribery, perjury, corrupt behavior, or other misconduct in office, it shall promptly refer the matter to an appropriate prosecuting authority. If the referral occurs before the Commission has reached a decision under §
25-38, the Commission shall immediately stay its proceedings until informed by the prosecuting authority that the stay is no longer necessary.
If the Commission determines, based on consideration of the
matter, including the answer of a covered person, by a unanimous vote
of all members then serving, that there is a reasonable basis for
believing the conflict of interest or public disclosure provisions
of this chapter have been violated, it shall make an effort to resolve
the matter informally.