General Principles for All Levels of Complaint Resolution.

(a)

The procedures set forth in Sections 4501-1 through 4503-3 shall be used by all California service delivery areas in the development of local-level complaint and hearing procedures. The procedures set forth in Sections 4504-1 through 4504-4 shall be used by the EDD in the resolution of all complaints where the EDD is the agency issuing sanctions.

(b)

Sections 4501-1 through 4504-4 shall guide the receipt, hearing, and resolution of noncriminal complaints relating to JTPA programs and activities that are funded with JTPA monies provided to the State of California by the U.S. Department of Labor. All individuals and entities, including JTPA applicants and participants, subrecipients of service delivery areas, entities and individuals that are applicants for JTPA program funding, labor unions, community-based organizations and educational agencies shall use the procedures set forth in Sections 4501-1 through 4504-4.

(c)

At all levels of the complaint process, complainants have the right to be represented, at their own expense, by a person(s) of their choosing.

(d)

Policy complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged violation. All persons filing policy complaints shall be free from restraint, coercion or reprisal.

(e)

Audit complaints shall be filed within 30 days of the EDD or local service delivery area's written decision disallowing costs and/or instituting other findings that are final. All persons filing audit complaints shall be free from restraint, coercion or reprisal.