Investigations by the Authority; limitations period for complaints; issuance of decisions by the Authority

by the Authority (a) Any employee having knowledge of any matter involving substantial misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance, or of the discharge, discipline or other penalizing of, or threat of retaliatory action against a person reporting the misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance, in the management of a company or facility may transmit all facts and information in the possession of the employee concerning such matter to the Authority in a form prescribed by the Authority. (b) The Authority shall investigate any complaint in accordance with the provisions of section 16-8 of the Connecticut General Statutes. (c) Any complaint shall be made to the Authority within two years of the date when any matter occurred, or was discovered, or reasonably should have been discovered, concerning the subject of the complaint. (d) The Authority shall notify the employer by certified mail not more than five (5) business days after receiving a written complaint complying with the requirements of section 16-8a-3(e) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. The employer may file a response and both the complainant and employer may submit within forty-five business days from the date of the notice rebuttal statements or supporting evidence in the form of affidavits from witnesses and relevant documents, and may meet informally with the Authority to respond verbally. The Authority may consider any such responses received after forty-five business days only upon a showing of good cause and at the discretion of the Authority. (e) The Authority shall make a preliminary finding within ninety business days of receipt of a written complaint based on such evidence submitted without a public hearing. (f) The Authority shall initiate a full investigatory proceeding not later than thirty days after making a preliminary finding.