(a) The commission shall initiate a preliminary investigation of each sworn complaint that complies with § 3-6-201. If the commission determines that the sworn complaint does not comply with § 3-6-201, then the commission shall dismiss the complaint and notify the complainant. In the notification sent to the complainant, the commission shall state with particularity why the complaint does not comply with § 3-6-201. If the commission has referred the complaint to the registry of election finance, then the commission shall also notify the complainant of the referral.

(b) The commission shall refer a factually and legally sufficient complaint to the office of the attorney general and reporter, who shall conduct a preliminary investigation. The commission shall make a probable cause determination after the office of the attorney general and reporter completes its investigation and reports its findings to the commission. Both the alleged violator and the complainant shall be entitled, upon request, to present evidence before the commission prior to the commission's probable cause determination. The commission shall have notice that evidence will be presented to the commission personally served upon, or sent by return receipt requested mail, to the alleged violator and the complainant. The commission has discretion to determine the appropriate procedure for the presenting of evidence.

(1) If the commission determines that no probable cause exists to believe a violation of any law or rule administered and enforced by the commission occurred, the commission shall dismiss the complaint by issuing a report to the complainant and the alleged violator, stating with particularity its reasons for dismissal of the complaint. A complainant may request a hearing upon a determination of no probable cause. If after the hearing the commission determines that there is no probable cause, the commission may order the complainant to reimburse the alleged violator for any reasonable costs and reasonable attorney fees the alleged violator has incurred.

(2) If the commission determines that probable cause exists to believe a violation of any law or rule administered and enforced by the commission occurred, the commission shall conduct a public hearing and, if the alleged violator is a member of the general assembly, shall notify the ethics committee of the appropriate house of the probable cause determination. Both the alleged violator and the complainant shall receive, by personal service or return receipt requested mail, notice of the time, date, and location of the hearing.