ETH 21.03(2)(a) (a) The complainant does not file the complaint within the time period specified by s. 19.49 (2) (f), Stats.

ETH 21.03(2)(b) (b) The commission does not have jurisdiction over the violation alleged.

ETH 21.03(2)(c) (c) The complaint does not contain sufficient allegations to establish that a violation of ch. 11, subch. III of ch. 13, or subch. III of ch. 19, Stats., has potentially occurred.

ETH 21.03(3) (3) Notice of dismissals. The administrator shall inform the commission of each complaint that was dismissed under sub. (2) since its last meeting.

ETH 21.03 History History: CR 22-052: cr. Register July 2023 No. 811, eff. 8-1-23.

ETH 21.04 ETH 21.04 Acknowledgement and notice of complaints. After preliminary review of a complaint under s. ETH 21.03 (2), but within 5 calendar days of receipt of the complaint, the administrator shall:

ETH 21.04(1) (1) Send a written notice to the complainant that provides all of the following:

ETH 21.04(1)(a) (a) An acknowledgement that the commission received the complaint.

ETH 21.04(1)(b) (b) A notice if the complaint or any portion of the complaint was dismissed under s. ETH 21.03 (2).

ETH 21.04(1)(b)1. 1. If the complaint or any portion of the complaint was dismissed for failure to comply with the requirements of s. ETH 21.03 (1), the notice shall include an explanation of the relevant requirements and inform the complainant that the complainant may re-file the complaint once it conforms to the requirements of s. ETH 21.03 (1).

ETH 21.04(1)(b)2. 2. If the complaint or any portion of the complaint was dismissed pursuant to s. ETH 21.03 (2) (a), the notice shall indicate the relevant deadline to file the complaint, if known.

ETH 21.04(1)(b)3. 3. If the complaint or any portion of the complaint was dismissed pursuant to s. ETH 21.03 (2) (b), the notice shall inform the complainant of the governmental agency with jurisdiction over the matter, if known.

ETH 21.04(1)(b)4. 4. If the complaint or any portion of the complaint was dismissed pursuant to s. ETH 21.03 (2) (c), the notice shall specify what additional allegations would be required to satisfy each element of the applicable law, if known.

ETH 21.04(2) (2) If the complaint was not dismissed, send a written notice to the respondent that provides all of the following:

ETH 21.04(2)(a) (a) A statement that the respondent has 15 calendar days from receipt of the notice to submit a written response demonstrating to the commission that the commission should take no action against the respondent on the basis of the complaint.

ETH 21.04(2)(b) (b) A notice that an extension of the deadline to file a written response may be granted by the administrator for good cause shown.

ETH 21.04(2)(c) (c) If any portion of the complaint was dismissed upon preliminary review under s. ETH 21.03 (2), a statement describing which allegations have been dismissed.

ETH 21.04(2)(d) (d) A copy of the complaint.

ETH 21.04 History History: CR 22-052: cr. Register July 2023 No. 811, eff. 8-1-23.

ETH 21.05 ETH 21.05 Response form and contents. A response to a complaint, if any, shall be filed in writing. The response, together with all attachments shall not exceed 10 pages without prior approval of the administrator. A response, if any, shall include all of the following:

ETH 21.05(1) (1) The case number assigned to the case.

ETH 21.05(2) (2) A concise statement of the facts supporting the respondent’s response to each alleged violation that differentiates between statements based on personal knowledge and those based on information and belief. Statements not based on personal knowledge shall identify the source of the information.

ETH 21.05(3) (3) Citation to any legal authority which the respondent relies on in support of their response. Citations to cases shall include a public domain cite, if available. Citations shall also include page or paragraph numbers, if appropriate.

ETH 21.05(4) (4) Any relevant documentation supporting the response, if available.

ETH 21.05(5) (5) If a response is filed by an attorney or other authorized person on behalf of the respondent, the attorney or other authorized person shall include a notice of representation that includes the name and address of the attorney or other authorized person.

ETH 21.05 History History: CR 22-052: cr. Register July 2023 No. 811, eff. 8-1-23.

ETH 21.06 ETH 21.06 Preliminary requests for information. Before the commission makes a determination of reasonable suspicion, the administrator may request from any person any of the following:

ETH 21.06(1) (1) If the complaint alleges a violation by any local registrant, a copy of the campaign registration statement and any campaign finance reports filed by the local registrant.

ETH 21.06(2) (2) If the complaint alleges a violation of s. 11.1303, Stats., any information or documentation related to the specifications provided in s. ETH 1.96.